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2010 Commission hears from school leaders regarding academic gains, budget concerns
Jun 29, 2009 - 5:18:07 PM
Today, school leaders from across the state appeared before the 2010 Commission to discuss the results of a recent survey of school districts regarding cuts to personnel and educational concerns and priorities for future years. Specifically, administrators talked about:
  • the recommendations made by the 2010 Commission in recent years - their relevance and other topics for consideration,

  • the academic progress made with the allocation of resources since the Montoy decision,

  • the impact of cuts made by their districts due to reduced funding by the 2009 Legislature, and

  • provide recommendations as the 2010 Commission begins to prepare its report to the Legislature.
The hearing started with a presentation by Dale Dennis, KSDE Deputy Commissioner. At the request of the 2010 Commission, KSDE conducted a survey of unified school districts, interlocals and service centers concerning many programs and positions were reduced or eliminated due to a lack of funding of for the 2009-2010 school year. The survey was based on current law.

According to the survey, approximately 3,700 education positions totaling an estimated $167 million have been eliminated for the 2009-2010 school year, to-date. That number includes 2,100 licensed positions (totaling an estimated $73.2 million) and another 1,600 non-licensed positions (totaling an estimated $26.3 million). The survey reported that another $67.7 million in estimated reductions were realized through various programs and initiatives.

Following Mr. Dennis, superintendents from nine school districts testified about the how recent funding had been used to support student learning and the impact of current funding cuts. Administrators highlighted the gains seen in all students, but especially in At-Risk and English Language learners (ELL).

Administrators also encouraged the 2010 Commission to consider the following areas as they prepare their recommendations to the Legislature:
  • funding all-day kindergarten and professional development;

  • changing the ELL funding formula (from contact hours to head count);

  • restoring capital outlay equalization;

  • adopting a multi-year funding plan that includes identification of revenue sources; and

  • proceeding with caution as they consider changes to catastrophic aid for special education.
Testimony and resources from today's meeting are included below.






USA|Kansas thanks our 2010 Convention Sponsors for being partners in education

USA|Kansas extends a special thanks to our Convention Sponsors this year. In addition to exhibiting at the convention, these businesses were recognized among hundreds of statewide education administrators during the General Session. Click here to read more.

Governor announces plan for balancing FY 2010 budget

Governor Parkinson announced Friday morning his plan to make up $106 million shortfall in the current budget year. Two of the measures included in the plan can be accomplished by the governor himself, but the remaining four measures will require legislative action. In laying out his plan, the governor spared education, social services, and public safety from further cuts in the FY 2010 year. The governor maintains that $21million of the shortfall can be explained by tax refunds that were paid out earlier than usual, due to electronic filing this year, so his plan addresses the remaining $85 million shortfall. To read details of the governor’s proposal, click here.

Looking for contact information for your Representative or Senator? The USA|Kansas Legislative Action Center has a listing of all U.S. Congressional, Kansas Senate, Kansas House, and State Board of Education representatives - including office numbers, phone numbers and email addresses. If you don't know who your legislator is, visit the Kansas Legislature online. Individuals can search for Legislators by entering your home address and/or school address.

Legislative Committee Schedules and Assignments, 2010
House Committees (Schedule)
House Committees (Membership)
Senate Committees (Schedule)
Senate Committees (Membership)

2009-2010 K-12 Education Budget. KSDE has provided a more detailed computer printout (SF0014) which compares the 2009-2010 adopted general fund budget, 2009-2010 computed general fund budget using a base state aid per pupil (BSAPP) of $4,218 and the estimated revised general fund budget for 2009-10 using a BSAPP of $4,012. The BSAPP coincides with reductions made by the Governor as a result of allotments announced on November 23, 2009. (Please note: this is an updated report, replacing SF0011)

Updated State Budget and School Finance materialsPlease be patient, as larger files may take longer to open or download.

 

All Contents © 2008 United School Administrators of Kansas

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