School Funding Bill Awaits Governors Signature

A deadline is approaching for Gov. Sam Brownback to make a decision on whether he will sign a bill increasing spending for Kansas public schools, despite building pressure from opponents and supporters of the measure.

Kansas Supreme Court issued a ruling March 7 giving legislators until July 1 to restore funding for two school finance provisions that give more state aid to poor districts.

Legislators finished work on the bill April 6 then recessed until late April. The measure increases spending by more than $129 million, funds separate programs at state colleges and universities and makes changes in education policy, including teacher employment rights.

The Republican governor has kept his intentions to himself, despite making statements during stops at state universities touting investments in research and other programs.