Kansas Supreme Court invalidates school funding law
(AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court threatened Thursday to shut down schools if lawmakers don't revamp the way the state funds public schools by July, ruling that a law enacted last year as a temporary fix underfunded poor school districts by at least $54 million.
The high court unanimously decided that the Republican-backed law violates the Kansas Constitution's requirement that the state finance a suitable education for every student.
Republican Gov. Sam Brownback called it a ruling from an "activist" court but added, "We will review this decision closely and work with the Legislature to ensure the continued success of our great Kansas schools."
Legislators approved the 2015 law as a temporary fix to replace that formula with "block grants," which largely freeze education funds outside of contributions to teacher pensions.
Dale Dennis, deputy state education commissioner, said the combined estimated shortfall for the current school year and the 2016-2017 academic year is almost $110 million.
The state has struggled to balance its budget since legislators slashed personal income taxes in 2012 and 2013, at Brownback's urging in an effort to stimulate the economy.
Many educators contend the 2015 block-grant law was unfair because it didn't automatically increase a school district's aid if it had more students or if a greater percentage of students had special needs.