Discussion of Kansas ed spending ignites at public forum

Michael Strand:

Everybody knows education is expensive, but exactly how expensive depends on what you want to count.

And a difference of opinion over that issue led to a few tense moments at Saturday mornings's legislative forum in Salina.

Ken Kennedy, director of operations for the Salina School District, asked local lawmakers the final question of the forum, asking whether lawmakers had suggestions for what spending districts should cut, and how soon they'll know how much money they're getting for the 2011-12 school year.

Sen. Pete Brungardt, R-Salina, fielded the question first, saying it would likely be May before the Legislature passes a final budget -- and that more cuts are likely.

"It's clear the trend has been down," Brungardt said, adding that after accounting for inflation, school districts now have about the same funding as in 1990.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at March 28, 2011 1:44 AM
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