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During this election cycle, many candidates have touted that they have plans to reform school finance. Because the K-12 school budget encompasses 50 percent of the state's budget, politicians often look at the K-12 education budget for a place to cut spending. In fact, many times "changing the school-finance formula" is code for "cutting school funding."
There have been many commissions that have worked on developing a fair and equitable school-funding formula. Those candidates who are calling for change or reform should consider several problems that the Legislature faces.
A school-finance formula must address the needs of all 289 districts. Johnson County residents seem as if they have never met a tax they didn't like. They send a high percentage of their taxes to other parts of the state. The Burlington district actually pays the state, because the statewide 20-mill property-tax levy generates more than its budget.
But many districts are declining in enrollment, and that means less revenue from the state. Some districts in western Kansas transport their children more than an hour one way and have fewer than 200 students in the district. They use long- distance learning and share as many resources as possible.
Midsize districts, such as Winfield, are making good gains, but it takes every penny, and they are stretching their dollars to the fullest. The Wichita school district has had a dramatic increase of students qualifying for free or reduced-cost lunches.
All school districts must educate children who qualify for special education. The cost for special education is increasing, even though the federal government's contribution is still underfunded. Some districts are known for their high-quality services, and parents move to that district because of their child's disability.
In addition to many other requirements, all school districts must meet adequate yearly progress for the federal No Child Left Behind law. Increasing graduation rates and meeting high standards are the crux of education, and no small task. No Child Left Behind is a largely unfunded mandate.
Many teachers have not had raises for two years, and the governor had to make at least four cuts last year because of the recession. The state frequently is late in payments to schools, and schools must go into their reserves to pay salaries until the state can pay the bill.
However, not all is depressing. Kansas ranks in the top 10 states for quality education. We have outstanding teachers and professionals dedicated to maintaining a high-quality educational system.
Education is even more important today. The jobs of tomorrow will require a high school degree plus additional training, either technical training or college. Requirements are continually increasing, and schools must keep pace for the changing needs of business.
In addition, the state is responsible for "suitable provision for finance of the educational interests of the state," per our constitution. There have been numerous lawsuits because of funding issues. Local districts also have rising costs. If the state cuts funding, the local districts often make up those costs in the form of higher local-option budgets and higher property taxes.
Can we change the formula? We probably can. But if we do, we must remember why we actually have public education in the first place.
When candidates say that they want to reform school finance, ask how they will do that and maintain high standards and quality education.
