Kansas Quality of Life At The Crossroads

What caused the current budget crisis? After years of strong growth, the recession and tax cuts decreased state revenues. The cost of education and other government services continued to increase, causing a deficit.

What has been the impact on school funding?

Current Year Funding Cuts and Federal Stimulus Assistance, FY 2010 State General Fund reduced $550 million K-12 Education Cuts (through Nov. 5) Base State Aid (4.8%)$136.5 million Capital Outlay Aid eliminated $25.6 million Special Education, other $6 million Cuts to School Districts$168.4 million Replacement from Stimulus $194 million Additional aid from Stimulus $40 million

Potential Additional Cuts 2010 K-12 cuts already imposed: $170 million Shortfall in school formula: $100 million plus Higher enrollments, lower property tax revenue. Additional state shortfall: at least $300 million 52% share for K-12: $156 million or more 2011 Projected Deficit: $263.5 million 52% “share” for K-12: $137 million or more 2012 Stimulus Expires: $297.3 million $194 K-12 replacement, $40 million K-12 other

Potential Total Impact Three Year K-12 Total: At least $660 million at “proportional share” Approximately $1,000 base budget per pupil cut below last year (23%) More if K-12 took deeper cuts. Would wipe out “Three-Year Plan” passed to provide constitutionally suitable funding for K-12 education.

Impact on Valley Center Going into budget reduced $900,000 July 2, 2009 cut from state of approx. $300,000 Anticipated Nov reduction of $210 on the base would mean an additional $1,250,000 Anticipated increase revenue due to growth at $500,000 Total reduction (without cuts going into the year)= $1,550,000 million Anticipated additional cut=$900,000 Anticipated additional cut=$2,400,000

USD 262 Facts 80 % of the General Fund goes towards salaries of all staff Enrollment has increased 8.3% during the past 7 years. Multiple studies indicate our district will see rapid growth in the near future. Number of At-Risk students are increasing 2011 new facilities will add to annual costs

Why is adequate education funding so important? Educational attainment increases economic prosperity and quality of life. You earn what you learn!

Learning Equals Earning

Rising Tide of Education Kansas Constitution: “The legislature shall provide for intellectual, educational, vocational and scientific improvement by establishing and maintaining public schools …” (Article 6, Sec. 1) The last 4 times the legislature has violated its duty to fund schools it has taken court intervention to make the legislature do its duty. Caldwell (1972), Knowles (1976), Mock (1991) and Montoy (2005).

Regional Prosperity/Education Ranking Per Capita Income Lowest Poverty Rate High School Graduates Bachelors Degree Advanced Degree ColoradoMinnesota Colorado MinnesotaIowaNebraskaMinnesota Kansas Iowa Kansas Minnesota Nebraska Kansas NebraskaMissouri S. DakotaColoradoS.DakotaN.DakotaNebraska IowaN.Dakota S.DakotaIowa Missouri ColoradoMissouriS.Dakota N. DakotaS. DakotaMissouriIowaOklahoma N.Dakota

School Operating Budgets as % of Kansas Personal Income

Challenges for Public Education Special Education Children At Risk Changing Demographics High Standards

Why does it cost more to increase education attainment? In the past, it was socially and economically acceptable for students to leave school with low skill levels. Schools are now expected to get all students to high skill levels – all are expected to reach levels previously reached by only a few.

Additional K-12 Funding Over $1 billion in state aid.  Nearly half ($475 million) for at-risk and bilingual weighting; transportation aid and Special Education aid.  $123.7 million for KPERS contributions (including past underfunding), not current costs.  $212 million for Local Option Budget aid. “Per pupil” increases don’t explain how new funding was used for different purposes; produced different results.

How was the money spent? More early childhood +828 Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers and aides At-risk programs, lower class sizes +1,932 regular classroom teachers and aides Helping teachers improve +170 support positions Special education +2,435 teachers and aides School safety; student transportation +58 security, social services positions Enhance technology instruction and support +923 technology positions

Standard of Excellence: Mathematics

Standard of Excellence: Reading

Use school district balances? Capital outlay – Constitution limits current levies to construction, equipment, repair. Cash on hand for bond payments. Funds on hand for cash flow when scheduled aid arrives after school begins (Special Education). Contingency funds for emergencies, late aid payments (increased by Legislature). All are “one-time” solutions.

Can schools be more “efficient” without harming quality? Kansas schools rank among the best in the nation for dollars spent per pupil. Reduced funding will harm students, families and local economies. This is a quality of life crisis.

State Spending and Results Top 10 States on six education measures: Vermont $12,614 Massachusetts $11,981 New Hampshire $10,079 Minnesota $9,138 New Jersey $14,630 Connecticut $12,323 Kansas $8,392 Montana $8,581 Virginia $9,447 Maryland $10,670 Average$10,786 Top scoring states, students at Proficient or higher, National Assessment of Education Progress Massachusetts $11,981 New Jersey $14,630 Vermont $12,614 New Hampshire $10,079 Minnesota $9,138 Kansas $8,392 Average $11,270 U.S. Average $9,138

USD 262-Getting more “efficient” may mean : Reduction of non-salary line items (textbook, technology, professional development). Larger class sizes by laying off teachers Reduce non-teaching support staff (administration, counselors, nurses and classified) Reduction of class offerings Suspend transporting students under 2.5 miles Reduction of athletics/activities Raising the Local Option Budget to legal max of 30% Increase student fees No option for all day kindergarten Elimination of summer programs (driver’s ed and summer school) Possibility of closing one building

Public Opinion Kansas Speaks 2009 Statewide Public Opinion Poll, Docking Institute of Public Affairs.  52% favor increased state funding for K-12 education; 41% favor keeping funding at the same level.  Only 7% favor decreasing state funding for K-12 education.  Just slightly lower support for higher education.

The Real Choice Previous generations of Kansans have always believed in a better life for their children and grandchildren. Education is the foundation of a better life. What choice will this generation make for what we fail to provide now will last for a lifetime?

USD 262 Elected Officials 2009 Session begins January 12th Senator Carolyn McGinn- District Senator Jean Schodorf- District Representative Steve Huebert- Dist

Sources Kansas State Department of Education Finance Division. November 16, 2009 budget estimates. Kansas Association of School Boards October 2009 Power Point presented at the Fall Regional meeting.