By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Kansas Legislature concluded its session with a budget bill that allocates $208 million in additional funding to schools for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Legislature also approved $10 million in additional funding for special education statewide. Kyle Carlin, director of the special education co-op, said the Legislature eliminated a $200 per-teacher reimbursement for special education, resulting in a net increase of only about $7.5 million.
Superintendent Ron Wilson said only two years remain on the current school funding formula. The Legislature has formed a task force to review funding.
"We're in a pretty interesting time in terms of finance and how schools are funded," Wilson said.
School activities
Senate Bill 114 will allow students from non-public and virtual schools to participate in public school activities. Wilson said locally this allowed Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) students to participate in Hays High School activities.
The high school immediately gained two track athletes from the KAMS program.
Human development
Another Senate bill will require school districts to include a fetal development component in any classes on human growth, human development or human sexuality.
Cuts
The Legislature has eliminated the safe and secure schools funding. The Hays district used those funds repeatedly for various projects, including the installation of secure entrances at schools.
Professional development funds, mentor teacher and teachers of excellence funding, which is paid to teachers who have their national board certification, were all cut by the Legislature this year.
Last year, the district received $16,798 in state aid for professional development. This year, the district would have received $27,750, according to Chris Hipp, USD 489 assistant superintendent of business services.
Last year, the district received $11,284 in mentor teacher funding and $14,000 in teachers of excellence funding, Hipp said.