TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A court panel in Kansas is considering whether to block a new education funding law at the request of four public school districts. The districts contend the state now distributes aid in ways harming programs for poor and minority students. The three-judge Shawnee County District Court panel is holding a hearing today (THUR) in a lawsuit from the Dodge City, Hutchinson, Wichita and Kansas City, Kansas, districts. The law took effect in April and scrapped the state's old per-student funding formula. The old formula provided extra dollars for each child learning English as a second language or at risk of dropping out. The new law gives districts "block grants" based on their current aid through the 2016-17 school year. Supporters contend the law provides stability for school districts.
