Kansas Supreme Court justices had some pointed questions for an attorney representing the state in a lawsuit over school funding. At issue is whether lawmakers have done enough to reduce funding disparities among school districts.
Justice Dan Biles expressed frustration that lawsuits over education funding have been going on for years and the latest solution from lawmakers appears to be just a one-year solution.
“How many years do we operate unconstitutionally before we say the music’s got to stop and we got to quit dancing?” said Biles.
The state's attorney, Stephen McAllister, said some school districts received more aid under the latest funding plan. He also argued that lawmakers reduced financial inequalities among schools.
“I do think that the Legislature acted in good faith in a tough budget year trying to do what it can,” said McAllister.
An attorney for school districts suing the state said lawmakers still haven't fixed the issue. Alan Rupe said more money should be added to help reduce funding disparities.
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(Two-Way)
Kansas Supreme Court Considers School Funding
Much attention has been focused on the Kansas Supreme Court today (TUE) as justices heard arguments in an ongoing lawsuit over public school funding. At issue is whether lawmakers have done enough to make education funding more equitable among the nearly 300 school districts in the state. Kansas Statehouse reporter Stephen Koranda was inside the courtroom today (TUE)... and KPR's J. Schafer asked him about the arguments put forth before the high court.
That's Stephen Koranda, KPR's Statehouse Bureau Chief. He was speaking with KPR's J. Schafer about the ongoing school finance lawsuit and the arguments the Kansas Supreme Court heard earlier today (TUE).