House Substitute for SB 387 by Committee on K-12 Education Budget - Making appropriations for the department of education for FY 24, FY 25 and FY 26 and enacting, revising and abolishing certain statutes relating to the educational system.
Impact
The legislative discussions surrounding SB387 revealed a mix of support and concerns. Supporters highlighted the potential for increased funding, particularly for special education and at-risk programs, which are often underfunded and critical for student success. They believe that the establishment of a dedicated task force will lead to more sustainable and equitable education funding in the state. However, opponents argue that the bill may not sufficiently address the immediate needs of underfunded districts, and there are worries about the implications of allowing certain non-resident students to enroll in Kansas schools, which could strain resources. Additionally, the bill revises how virtual schools receive funding based on enrollment metrics, leading to concerns over fair treatment of all educational institutions.
Summary
SB387 is a comprehensive bill focusing on education reform in Kansas, specifically making appropriations for the Kansas Department of Education for the fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026. One of its primary objectives is to establish an 'Education Funding Task Force' that will review the state's school finance system and propose necessary changes before the expiration of the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act. The bill acknowledges the need for a consistent funding formula that ensures equitable distribution of resources across school districts, particularly for special education services. It emphasizes the accountability of school districts to meet educational improvement goals for at-risk students, thus aiming to uplift educational standards across the state.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SB387 is mixed but leans towards optimism among education advocates, who see it as a step toward rectifying longstanding inequities in school funding. Supporters are hopeful that it will lead to necessary reforms that prioritize the needs of students, especially those in special education and at-risk categories. On the other hand, some legislators and stakeholders express apprehension regarding the complexities of implementing the bill's provisions and its impact on local school district autonomy. They are concerned that while the task force aims for reform, it might introduce bureaucratic challenges that hinder timely action.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention within SB387 is the provisions regarding non-resident student enrollment and the possible impact on school district budgets and resources. Critics fear that prioritizing enrollment for certain non-resident students could dilute the resources available for in-state students, especially in underfunded districts. Furthermore, the bill's provision to audit virtual school state aid has raised questions about accountability and how funding is transferred within districts. The balance between providing equitable access to education and ensuring districts maintain sufficient resources to meet their own needs is a critical issue that will need careful navigation as implementation progresses.
House Substitute for SB 113 by Committee on K-12 Education Budget - Making appropriations for the department of education for FY 23, FY 24 and FY 25; establishing the mental health intervention team program; authorizing certain students to participate in activities regulated by the Kansas state high school activities association; requiring school districts to post certain enrollment and academic information on school district websites; revising school district open-enrollment procedures; authorizing local school board members to receive compensation from their school district; authorizing current-year student enrollment for determinations of state foundation aid; continuing the 20 mill statewide tax levy for schools; amending the school districts that qualify for and the amount that school districts are able to levy pursuant to the cost-of-living weighting.
Substitute for SB 155 by Committee on Ways and Means - Making and concerning appropriations for fiscal years 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 for various state agencies.
House Substitute for SB 83 by Committee on K-12 Education Budget - Making appropriations for the state department of education for FY 2024, establishing the sunflower education equity act to provide education savings accounts for qualified students, requiring school districts to provide a salary increase to all licensed teachers and defining enrollment of small school districts as the highest enrollment from the preceding four years under the Kansas school equity and enhancement act.
Substitute for SB 514 by Committee on Ways and Means - Making and concerning supplemental appropriations for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 and appropriations for fiscal years 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 for various state agencies.
Substitute for HB 2273 by Committee on Appropriations - Making and concerning certain supplemental appropriations for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 and appropriations for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 for various state agencies.
House Substitute for SB 42 by Committee on Appropriations - Exempting rural emergency hospitals from the hospital provider assessment and establishing residency and other requirements for membership on a hospital board.
Making and concerning appropriations for FY 23 and FY 24 for the department of administration for an income tax rebate to certain Kansas resident taxpayers.
Making and concerning appropriations for fiscal years 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 for various state agencies; constituting the omnibus reconciliation spending limit bill for the 2024 regular session; payment of certain claims against the state.
Making and concerning appropriations for FY 23 and FY 24 for the department of administration for an income tax rebate to certain Kansas resident taxpayers.
House Substitute for SB 113 by Committee on K-12 Education Budget - Making appropriations for the department of education for FY 23, FY 24 and FY 25; establishing the mental health intervention team program; authorizing certain students to participate in activities regulated by the Kansas state high school activities association; requiring school districts to post certain enrollment and academic information on school district websites; revising school district open-enrollment procedures; authorizing local school board members to receive compensation from their school district; authorizing current-year student enrollment for determinations of state foundation aid; continuing the 20 mill statewide tax levy for schools; amending the school districts that qualify for and the amount that school districts are able to levy pursuant to the cost-of-living weighting.
Prekindergarten through grade 12 provisions modified including general education accountability and transparency, education excellence, American Indian education, charter schools, discipline, teachers, special education, and early learning; and reports required.
Prekindergarten through grade 12 provisions modified including general education accountability and transparency, education excellence, American Indian education, charter schools, discipline, teachers, special education, and early learning; and reports required.