Kansas K-12 Budget Short Of Law Requirements

A state Department of Education report shows that Kansas legislators have authorized school spending for the next two years that is more than $650 million below what is required by law.

The report was included as part of the State Board of Education’s June meeting agenda but discussion was omitted after additional time was devoted to academic standards.

Deputy Commissioner of Education Dale Dennis’ report shows the difference between what the state is required by law to spend on public schools and what was authorized for fiscal years 2014, which begins July 1, and again in 2015.

The figures have been known for some time and a district court has ordered legislators to make up the differences in spending. The Kansas Supreme Court is reviewing that order.