TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A lobbyist for Kansas school boards and a state Department of Education official say potential spending cuts outlined by Governor Sam Brownback's budget director would be felt in classrooms. Kansas Association of School Boards lobbyist Mark Tallman said Tuesday that public schools would be forced to consider holding positions open and allowing class sizes to increase. Deputy Education Commissioner Dale Dennis said school districts would lose funds for utilities and transportation as well. Budget Director Shawn Sullivan says if lawmakers don't pass a bill increasing taxes, Brownback's most likely option is an across-the-board cut in state spending of 6.2 percent. Sullivan said the cuts would total about $400 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Sullivan said public schools would lose nearly $200 million in state aid.
