The debate over school funding in Kansas may be shifting to focus more on employee pension costs.
For a long time, the debate has focused on what’s called the base state aid per pupil, and other funding that pays for salaries, books and school buildings.
Governor Sam Brownback met with education officials and lawmakers Monday and said a good portion of the administration's increased education funding has been directed towards KPERS.
“I think most teachers get pensions and want to see their pensions funded,” Brownback said.
But Frank Henderson, with the Kansas Association of School Boards, points out that KPERS funding doesn’t help pay for basic classroom and education expenses.
The KPERS issue is likely to be raised again as lawmakers debate education funding in the next legislative session.
