Kansas House Bill HB2738

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/16/24
• Refer: 2/19/24
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Revising the special education state aid statewide excess costs calculation to count additional funding, requiring the state board of education to determine each school district's excess costs and to establish a special education state aid equalization distribution schedule to distribute certain amounts of special education state aid and requiring school districts to transfer amounts attributable to the special education weighting from their supplemental general funds to their special education funds.

Impact

The impact of HB2738 is significant, as it seeks to ensure that all school districts across Kansas receive equitable state funding for special education. Under the revised formula, the state board will consider factors such as weighted full-time equivalent student enrollment and actual costs incurred by districts for providing special education services. By establishing a special education fund where all related revenues will be deposited, the bill aims to streamline financial management and ensure adequate allocation of resources directly for special education within school districts.

Summary

House Bill 2738 aims to revise the calculation of special education state aid by accounting for additional funding to ensure equitable distribution among school districts. The bill establishes a mandate for the state board of education to determine excess costs for each school district and implement a special education state aid equalization distribution schedule. This updated process is intended to enhance the financial support provided to districts catering to exceptional children who require special education services, ensuring that they receive adequate resources to address the unique needs of these students.

Contention

While the bill promotes equity in special education funding, there may be contention regarding the redistribution of state aid and the implications for local budgeting. Some districts may argue that the new calculation method could lead to disparities if local costs are not adequately factored into the new distribution schema. Stakeholders might raise concerns about whether the bill sufficiently supports districts with higher needs or if it disproportionately benefits those with otherwise lower special education costs.