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Kansas Bill Would Consolidate Governor's Authority Over School Finance

Chris Neal
/
AP photo

A new Kansas bill has teachers up in arms, reports The Wichita Eagle.Educators say the potential law is an attack on public schools.

SB 311 would give the governor more direct control over school finance. Public education finance is currently overseen by the state Board of Education and the state’s commissioner of education. Sen. Ty Masterson, the committee chair, said he was not sure who wrote the bill, which was introduced anonymously. Sen. Laura Kelly, the ranking Democrat on the committee, called the bill “a power grab.” Her critique was echoed by many educators.

Under the law, educators would be paid by the Department of Administration instead of the Department of Education. Proponents say the bill streamlines the process.