Kansas Senate Bill SB386

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/24
• Refer: 1/24/24
• Report Pass: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/23/24
• Refer: 2/28/24
• Engrossed: 4/1/24
• Refer: 4/1/24
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Requiring enrollment under the Kansas school equity and enhancement act to be determined using the current school year or the preceding school year.

Impact

The enactment of SB386 is expected to have significant implications for education funding across the state. By updating the criteria for enrollment calculation, the bill aims to enhance equity in funding distribution among school districts. This is particularly important for ensuring that districts accommodating at-risk students receive equitable resources. The requirement for districts to consider current enrollment could provide a more immediate reflection of student needs, accommodating shifts that might not be captured under previous models reliant on prior year data.

Summary

Senate Bill 386 seeks to modify the Kansas school equity and enhancement act by changing how school district enrollment is determined. This bill mandates that enrollment figures for funding and other considerations should be based either on the current school year or on the preceding school year. Furthermore, it introduces specific criteria for school districts that have closed buildings in the previous school year, requiring them to utilize the current school year's enrollment numbers when reporting. This change is aimed at providing a more accurate assessment of student populations, particularly in districts experiencing considerable fluctuations due to school closures.

Contention

However, the bill has not been without controversy. Critics express concerns that determining funding based on updated enrollment figures may lead to instability in funding flow for some districts. Particularly, rural districts that may experience a sharp decline in enrollment could face sudden budget adjustments that impact educational equity. Overall, the debate centers on balancing the need for accurate and timely funding assessments against the risks of abrupt financial changes that might arise following closure decisions.

Notable_points

SB386 passed in the Senate with significant support, yet it reflects ongoing tensions within education policy regarding the definition and purpose of school funding. Advocates for equitable education see this as a step forward, while opponents write about the complexities of school funding structures, which might potentially disadvantage some districts in the long run.