KASB Urges School Advocates to Provide Input on School Finance to Governor

Education leaders on Thursday urged school advocates to let Gov. Sam Brownback know what should be included in the next school finance formula.

“School boards work diligently to maximize the programs for their students because they know that every student should have the opportunity to be college and career ready. And they know that local boards should have control over how they do it,” said Amy Martin, president of the Kansas Association of School Boards and a member of the Olathe USD 233 board.

KASB Associate Executive Director Mark Tallman said that although many details must be worked out, KASB’s policies call for a final school finance formula that:

— Supports the State Board of Education’s vision that Kansas will lead the world in the success of each student;

— Provides adequate funds and distribute those funds equitably;

— Gives local districts the responsibility to respond to unique community needs while encouraging efficiency;

— Allows flexibility so that districts can go beyond state requirements.

Brownback has sought input from Kansans on what the next school finance system should include; legislators will work on a new funding approach during the 2017 session, which starts in January. In addition, the Kansas Supreme Court next week will conduct a hearing on whether current school spending is adequate under the Kansas Constitution.

To send comments to Brownback, email them to StudentsFirst@ks.gov. KASB also requests that school officials also send those proposals toschoolfundinginput@kasb.org. KASB plans to share the information with other education organizations and use it to help inform discussions on the next school finance plan.

Martin and Tallman spoke at a news conference held at the Olathe Advanced Technical Center.

The Center has been a pioneer in providing students career and tech programs such as welding, culinary arts, aerospace engineering and environmental design.

Martin said Olathe has consistently supported education. “As president of KASB, I get to see stories like Olathe’s all across Kansas,” she said.

Martin added, “The governor has asked for input on how we should be funding schools. I’m proud that KASB has stepped up as a leader to urge education advocates to be a part of this process.”