OLATHE, Kan. – Public schools in Kansas will get the full $535 million the state promised them. Gov. Jeff Colyer signed a bill into law Monday fixing a technicality that left $80 million out of the state’s $535 million plan.
At a ceremonial bill signing at the Olathe School District headquarters, Colyer promised schools in Kansas will receive more money for special education, treating students with mental health issues, and programs to reward and mentor teachers.
The $535 million package is the legislature’s response to the Kansas State Supreme Court’s mandate that the state give more funding to public schools. Colyer said he expected to hear a ruling from the state’s high court in the summer.
“We have to deal with the rule of law in the state of Kansas and we will,” Colyer said. “But I think legislators have really put their foot forward, through hard, difficult negotiation and come up with something that really moves the ball.”
Colyer said individual districts will have the freedom to choose how to spend their allotment from the state. But he expected schools to add teachers, pay teachers more, and “transform schools” to better train students for today’s high-tech specific jobs.
He highlighted how spreading the $535 million over five months will prevent a tax increase and allow districts to use the money effectively.
“We have new accountability so that the state school board can look at schools and report to parents and say what's happening in your school. It provides them the flexibility so that we can change and grow,” Colyer said.
Another addition to the funding bill Colyer pointed out is it pays for each student to take the ACT exam.
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