TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The seven largest school districts in Kansas would lose a total of $67 million in state aid if Republican Gov. Sam Brownback is forced to cut spending $400 million because legislators don’t pass tax increases.
The state Department of Education says Wichita would lose $22 million of the aid it has been promised for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
Budget Director Shawn Sullivan has said an across-the-board cut in spending would be Brownback’s most likely option if lawmakers don’t increase taxes to balance the next budget. Schools would lose a total of $197 million.
Kansas City, Kansas, would lose $10.8 million.
In Johnson County, Olathe would lose $10.2 million; Shawnee Mission, $8.3 million, and Blue Valley, $6.1 million.
Topeka also would lose $6.1 million and Lawrence, $3.8 million.
————
T
OPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A lobbyist for Kansas school boards and a state Department of Education official say potential spending cuts outlined by Gov. Sam Brownback’s budget director would be felt in classrooms.
Kansas Association of School Boards lobbyist Mark Tallman said Tuesday that public schools would be forced to consider holding positions open and allowing class sizes to increase.
Deputy Education Commissioner Dale Dennis said school districts would lose funds for utilities and transportation as well.
Budget Director Shawn Sullivan on Monday said if lawmakers don’t pass a bill increasing taxes, Brownback’s most likely option is an across-the-board cut in state spending of 6.2 percent. Sullivan said the cuts would total about $400 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
Sullivan said public schools would lose $197 million in state aid.