Topeka ? The world is clamoring for math and science scholars, but it might take two more years before a math and science academy is operating in Kansas.

The Legislature approved the establishment of a Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science in 2006, but Reginald Robinson, president and chief executive of the Kansas Board of Regents, said it will probably be 2010 before the academy is operating.

“Is there some reason why this has been so slow?” asked state Rep. Jo Ann Pottorff, R-Wichita, at a recent legislative committee meeting.

Robinson replied that lawmakers haven’t funded it beyond the initial costs to analyze proposals.

“We still don’t have any money for it,” he said.

Even if operating funds are allocated during the 2008 legislative session, which starts in January, that means the money wouldn’t be available until the start of the fiscal year on July 1, 2008. It would then probably take until 2010 before personnel could be hired and students recruited, he said.

“We do have a sense of urgency about it,” Robinson said.

Under the proposed Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science, high school students who excel in math and science would be enrolled in a college after 10th grade where they would be full-time students earning two years of college credit while also earning a high school diploma.

About 15 states have these kinds of academies representing a wide range of models, from free-standing residential schools to early college admission programs.

Several Kansas higher education institutions have made proposals to the Kansas Board of Regents, which will select an institution in January to finalize plans for the academy.