An attorney hired by Kansas lawmakers questioned school officials and legislative staff Monday to gather evidence for an ongoing school funding lawsuit. Attorney Toby Crouse is compiling the information.
The Kansas Supreme Court is considering if lawmakers are funding school districts equally and spending an adequate amount on education. Lawmakers are considering a plan that would redistribute school aid to reduce disparities between districts. Shawnee Mission Superintendent Jim Hinson says that would take money from districts like his and complicate the lawsuit.
“I want to make sure in our race for equity we don’t harm the adequacy discussion,” says Hinson.
Hinson says if they take a funding cut they will have to cut services, raise taxes or use up reserve funds. He suggests lawmakers find a way to reduce disparities without taking money from any school districts.