School finance bill passes

A school finance bill passed the Kansas Legislature on Sunday night and goes to Gov. Sam Brownback for his signature.

The Legislature was under a court order from the Kansas Supreme Court to provide more equitable funding to school districts.

Besides increasing funding by $73 million, the bill included some controversial provisions, such as eliminating due process when teachers are fired.

Gov. Brownback issued this statement Sunday night about the passage of the school finance bill:

“The school finance bill passed by the Kansas Legislature today fully complies with, and indeed exceeds, the requirements of the recent Kansas Supreme Court ruling for funding schools and providing equity.

“House Bill 2506 increases funding to Kansas schools by $73 million and includes $78 million of property tax relief. The bill ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently, putting money in the classrooms to help teachers teach and students learn.”