State, local school officials seek continuation of multiyear funding / LJWorld.com

Kansas Legislature

August 6, 2007

Topeka — Some state officials think it would be a good idea to make Kansas' historic three-year school funding plan a four-year plan.

"Anything that will allow schools to plan ahead and better direct resources where they're most needed to help students would be welcome," said Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. "It would be a big improvement if we can move beyond the year-by-year approach of the past that left teachers, parents and administrators in the dark until the last minute."

Traditionally, the Legislature approves a one-year school funding plan, which usually comes at the end of the legislative session and just months before schools set their budgets for the upcoming year.

But in 2006, the Legislature approved a three-year plan under pressure from the Kansas Supreme Court, which had ruled that the school finance system shortchanged all students, especially those from poorer districts.

That plan increased funding to schools by $194.5 million last year, $149 million for the school year that will start this month and $122.7 million for next year.

Many saw the multiyear aspect of the plan as key to helping districts plan better in setting up programs as they received increased funding.

"I had one superintendent ask me, 'Do you think the Legislature realizes how much more efficient it is when you know in advance how much you have to work with?'" Deputy Education Commissioner Dale Dennis said.

Randy Weseman, superintendent of the Lawrence school district, agreed.

"I've always supported a multiyear plan for planning purposes," Weseman said, but added, "There just has to be a commitment that they will follow through and fund it."

The state's 2010 Commission, which analyzes education issues, will consider whether to recommend the Legislature incorporate another funding increase in the current plan, making it a four-year plan. The commission hasn't proposed a specific increase.

That would mean when lawmakers return in January, they would have to approve the third-year funding already proposed, and add a year's increase to the current spending scheme.

The commission will meet Aug. 20-21 to consider this and other proposals affecting education.