Authorizing school districts to employ chaplains or accept such persons as volunteers.
Impact
This bill has implications for state laws regarding the employment of non-licensed personnel in educational settings. By allowing school districts the discretion to hire or accept volunteers as chaplains, it modifies existing regulations related to hiring practices within educational institutions. Importantly, chaplains would not be required to obtain a teacher's license, making it easier for schools to bring in such support without the lengthy licensure process typically associated with school employees. However, any chaplain must undergo a criminal history records check similar to other district employees to ensure student safety.
Summary
House Bill 2034 authorizes school districts in Kansas to employ chaplains or accept them as volunteers to provide various support services and programs for students. This initiative aims to enhance the emotional and spiritual support available to students by allowing schools to integrate chaplains into their educational ecosystems. The role of the chaplains would be directed by the school board, superintendent, or designated administrators, ensuring that their functions align with educational objectives and student needs.
Contention
There are notable points of contention surrounding HB2034, particularly related to the qualifications and potential influence of chaplains in school settings. Critics may argue that while the intent is to provide beneficial support to students, the presence of chaplains could blur the lines between church and state in public education. Concerns could also arise regarding the appropriateness of schools employing individuals who provide religious support, potentially leading to debates over the separation of church and educational practice.
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.
Creating the Arkansas city area public library district act and the Udall area public library district act, requiring an election for the creation of such district and authorizing unified school districts No. 470 and 463 to levy a tax on behalf of such library district.
Authorizing school districts to levy an annual levy of up to two mills for the purposes of school building safety, security and compliance with the Americans with disabilities act and including such levy in the capital outlay state aid determination for such school districts.
Creating the Udall area public library district act, requiring an election for the creation of such district and authorizing unified school district No. 463 to levy a tax on behalf of the library district.
Revising school district open enrollment procedures and requirements to prioritize students who are residents of Kansas over students who are residents of another state, providing for continued enrollment of students who attended a school district of nonresidence in school year 2023-2024, authorizing school districts to deem students as not in good standing prior to enrollment and requiring publication of nonresident student transfer policies on the school district website.