The new block grant
system to fund schools has received a failing grade from the public, according
to the latest Kansas Speaks survey.
Sixty-four percent of respondents — nearly two thirds — said the block grant system resulted in a lower quality of education for children in their school districts, while 29 percent felt there was no change in the quality of education and 7 percent said it resulted in a higher quality of education.
The block grant system received an even worse grade from people who had school-age children at home with 73 percent of them saying it resulted in a lower quality of education; 20 percent saying it had no effect; and 7 percent saying it improved the quality of education.
The Kansas Speaks survey is an annual poll conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University. The poll, taken between Sept. 14 and Oct. 5, questioned a random sample of 1,252 adult Kansans on a wide variety of subjects, including the quality of life in Kansas, economy, taxes, state government, public policies and voting. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percent. Here is a link to the survey.
Gov. Sam Brownback signed the block grant funding system into law during the last legislative session saying it would provide stable funding and serve as a temporary method until a more permanent finance formula could be devised. A three-judge panel has ruled the block grant system unconstitutional. The state has appealed that decision to the Kansas Supreme Court, which will hold oral arguments in the case on Friday, November 6.
The block grant essentially froze the level of school spending, which has squeezed many school districts that have faced increased enrollment and other increased expenses.
Sixty-four percent of respondents — nearly two thirds — said the block grant system resulted in a lower quality of education for children in their school districts, while 29 percent felt there was no change in the quality of education and 7 percent said it resulted in a higher quality of education.
The block grant system received an even worse grade from people who had school-age children at home with 73 percent of them saying it resulted in a lower quality of education; 20 percent saying it had no effect; and 7 percent saying it improved the quality of education.
The Kansas Speaks survey is an annual poll conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University. The poll, taken between Sept. 14 and Oct. 5, questioned a random sample of 1,252 adult Kansans on a wide variety of subjects, including the quality of life in Kansas, economy, taxes, state government, public policies and voting. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percent. Here is a link to the survey.
Gov. Sam Brownback signed the block grant funding system into law during the last legislative session saying it would provide stable funding and serve as a temporary method until a more permanent finance formula could be devised. A three-judge panel has ruled the block grant system unconstitutional. The state has appealed that decision to the Kansas Supreme Court, which will hold oral arguments in the case on Friday, November 6.
The block grant essentially froze the level of school spending, which has squeezed many school districts that have faced increased enrollment and other increased expenses.
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