20 July 2005

Kansas students, taxpayers and economy to benefit from school bill
Governor signs school funding bill into law at events in Wichita, Topeka

WICHITA, Kan. – Kansas students, taxpayers and the economy will benefit from the school finance plan signed into law by Governor Kathleen Sebelius today. The Governor was surrounded by nearly 150 students, teachers and guests at Wichita North High School as she signed the bill.

“Students throughout Kansas will benefit from this investment. This money is going to classrooms to help kids learn. There will be more teachers hired, which means smaller class sizes and more attention for individual students. Every Kansas child will benefit from a better education,” Governor Sebelius said.

“The true winners are Kansas kids and the Kansas economy. Our kids will go to better schools and go on to live better, more productive lives. The Kansas economy will benefit from a well-educated workforce,” Sebelius said.

In addition to benefits for students and the Kansas economy, taxpayers will receive property tax relief and will benefit from school districts’ increased accountability for spending decisions.

“Local taxpayers had been paying a larger and larger share of basic school costs, so it is important we give them property tax relief,” Sebelius said.

“This bill also sets a goal of having 65% of money spent in the classroom. Taxpayers and parents need to know as we make these investments that dollars are going to the classrooms and are producing results for our children,” the Governor said.

Sebelius also discussed a study of school spending she initiated last year. Efficient school districts are being identified so that their examples can be used to help other districts use tax dollars more wisely.

Finally, the Governor lauded the spirit of cooperation that resulted in the school finance solution, saying that Republicans and Democrats will need to continue to work together to meet the challenge of keeping Kansas’ economy strong and growing.

That cooperation – and a commitment to invest in education – is needed in Congress, the Governor said.

“If Congress paid for the promises made in No Child Left Behind and special education legislation, almost the entire 2005 school investment in Kansas would have been paid for with federal dollars,” Sebelius said.

A similar event is planned for Meadows Elementary in Topeka later Wednesday morning.