Lawmakers study formula Kansas uses to finance schools

? Twenty-one legislators began a School Finance 101 lesson Tuesday in hopes of learning more about how Kansas distributes $2.6 billion to public schools.

The Select Joint Committee on School Finance was to hear from state education officials, attorneys and a Washburn University professor regarding current efforts to fund elementary and secondary schools, as well as what the state and federal constitutions require.

Legislators were asked to review school finance and focus on potential improvements in the finance formula or developing a new system. Johnson County legislators were expected to offer at least one proposal.

Rep. Kathe Decker, R-Clay Center and chairwoman of the committee, said though repetitive for some, the preliminary discussions were important.

“I really believe we need to see what we are doing right now,” Decker told the committee.

She said some members have heard the presentations before during the legislative session as members of House and Senate Education committees. However, she said the number of legislators inexperienced with education policy merited the finance primer.

Many of the issues were aired extensively for eight days in Shawnee County District Court. Judge Terry Bullock heard testimony on behalf of midsized school districts, arguing the state fails to provide a suitable education as defined by the judge and the Legislature’s own study last year.

The trial also included testimony from the same education officials who addressed the committee.

Bullock, whose opinion in 1992 led to adoption of the current finance formula, is expected to rule on the current lawsuit before the 2004 session begins. Regardless of the outcome, an appeal to the Kansas Supreme Court is expected.

Legislative leaders said the committee could meet for six days before the 2004 Legislature convenes Jan. 12, but it is unlikely Bullock’s ruling will be part of their deliberations.