KS
Kansas House Bill HB2040

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2040

Introduced
1/17/23  
Refer
1/17/23  
Report Pass
2/6/23  
Refer
2/22/23  
Refer
3/1/23  

Caption

Revising the Kansas school equity and enhancement act to provide per-student education funding based on student enrollment in the current school year.

Impact

The bill's intent is to promote equity in educational funding across Kansas by ensuring that districts with higher enrollment numbers receive adequate resources to support their students. By tying foundation aid to current enrollment levels, the legislation aims to enhance the quality of education for all students, particularly those from at-risk backgrounds, who often require additional resources and support. This change could lead to significant improvements in educational equity by addressing disparities in funding based on fluctuating student populations.

Summary

House Bill 2040 seeks to revise aspects of the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act by implementing a new method for determining state foundation aid based on current-year student enrollment. This approach aims to provide a more accurate reflection of the needs of school districts by ensuring that funding aligns with the most recent data on student numbers. The revisions will affect how the general fund budget is calculated and the way school districts receive necessary financial support for educational programs.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, HB 2040 also raises concerns among various stakeholders. Critics argue that the reliance on current enrollment figures may disadvantage districts experiencing population shifts or declining enrollments, leading to funding challenges during transitional periods. There is apprehension that the bill may not sufficiently account for the unique circumstances of rural or underserved school districts, which often face financial difficulties. Moreover, the bill’s implications for funding bilingual education and services for at-risk students remain contentious topics among educators, policymakers, and advocacy groups.

Latest HB2040 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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