Education

Bills before the state House and Senate would allow charter schools greater freedom and funding opportunities in Kansas.

Now, Kansas has 15 charter schools; they're publicly funded but generally operate independently of school districts. The state had 37 charter schools three years ago, but many closed for financial reasons.

Kansas' public schools could receive a slight increases in per-student spending starting in fiscal year 2015.

The State House Appropriations Committee accepted a subcommittee's report on K-12 spending Monday morning. The subcommittee's budget allocates more than $3 billion dollars for all public schools. Funding per pupil would remain at $3,838  for fiscal year 2014 but would increase marginally by $14 per pupil starting July 1, 2014.

Under new President Dr. John Bardo, Wichita State University is under going a large strategic planning initiative.

Gov. Sam Brownback is seeking mediation in a lawsuit over school funding.

A district court recently ruled that the state isn't meeting constitutional requirements and needs to increase funding for Kansas schools.

Brownback asked the state Attorney General to seek a hold on the ruling, so all parties involved have time to study solutions. The filings also request the court to appoint a mediator, in attempt to reach an agreement outside of courtroom.

The school funding lawsuit was filed on behalf of students, parents and four school districts.