TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Kansas would take an additional $25 million hit in its next state budget to provide the aid it has promised to public schools.
Officials learned of the issue less than three weeks after Gov. Sam Brownback signed legislation aimed at preventing school funding surprises.
State officials said Tuesday that a property tax imposed by the state to raise money for schools is expected to generate $17.5 million less than previously anticipated during the fiscal year beginning July 1.
Officials also predict that aid to school districts for construction projects will cost $7.5 million more than previously estimated.
The GOP-controlled Legislature approved a measure in March to junk the state’s per-pupil school funding formula and replace it with predictable “block grants.” The Republican governor signed the legislation April 2.
