State school officials push for all-day kindergarten funding

? Kansas school officials have recommended increases in public school funding for the next two years to boost teacher salaries and phase-in full-day kindergarten.

The cost would be an additional $26 million in the next school year on top of a $122 million increase already approved by legislators.

The proposal by the State Board of Education will go to the Legislature which starts its session in January.

School advocates have long sought funding for full-day kindergarten, saying that having a longer school day gives students more exposure to math, language arts and other activities.

Statewide, about two-thirds of kindergarten students are enrolled in full-day kindergarten. In Lawrence, eight of the 15 elementary schools offer full-day kindergarten.

Officials have estimated it will take approximately $75 million to establish full-day kindergarten in every school district statewide.

Increasing teacher pay has also been touted by some as a way to attract more people to teaching and retain current teachers. Kansas ranks 38th in average teacher pay at $39,351 per year. The national average is $47,602.