Legislators Begin Kansas School Finance Hearings

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Legislators are beginning to hear from the
public about Gov. Sam Brownback’s plan to revamp the way Kansas
funds public schools.
The Senate Education Committee held the first of several days of
hearings on Monday into the Republican governor’s proposal, which
includes changes in the way technical and vocational education
courses are taught, as well as a new system for evaluating
teachers.
Brownback outlined his proposal during his State of the State
address in January. The governor wants to change the funding
formula to allow local districts more flexibility in how they raise
and spend money.
Members of the House Education Committee are also hearing
testimony on parts of the plan this week. Legislators are hoping to
have bills debated in the House and Senate by the end of February.