Tagged: school funding

Lawmakers are considering a change to the Kansas Constitution in response to lawsuits over school funding.

About eight years ago, a lawsuit ended with an agreement to increase spending on students. But lawmakers cut back when the economy slowed, which rekindled the legal battle. 

Now, some Legislators are proposing a constitutional amendment that would give them the power to determine what is a suitable level of funding.

Wichita City Council to hear about the Bicycle Master Plan; Rezoning petition for former Tiller clinic expected at council meeting; Senate panel preparing debate over tax proposals.

Wichita City Council To Hear Presentation On Bicycle Master Plan

The Wichita City Council will hear recommendations Tuesday on a 10 year, $12.5 million plan to improve the city's bike paths.

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Some conservative groups are opposing Gov. Sam Brownback's new tax plan because it includes revenue-raising measures along with additional income tax cuts.

But the Kansas Association of School Boards is supporting the plan because it's aimed at filling a $500 million budget gap caused by last year's tax cuts.

The group's position surprised Senate Tax Committee Chairman Les Donovan, when he called on KASB lobbyist Mark Tallman to testify at a recent hearing.

Donovan said he had Tallman down as a proponent, but he wasn't sure if that was correct.

The head of a school efficiency task force Monday presented school efficiency recommendations to lawmakers in Topeka. The House and Senate education committees are meeting jointly this week to review education issues.

Gov. Sam Brownback formed the task force to look for ways to spend education funding more efficiently.