12.16.10
K-12 Employment Growing Faster Than Enrollment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact James Franko (316) 634-0218

(Wichita, December 16, 2010) – A new study from Kansas Policy Institute shows that current K-12 employment in Kansas is 6.3% higher than in 2000, while enrollment increased just 1.9% over the same time period.  State Department of Education data also indicate that Kansas school districts increased non-teaching jobs at a much greater rate than teachers; the number of teachers increased by 4.9% while all other employees increased 7.8%.  “Profile and Comparison of Kansas K-12 Employment Levels” was written by Dr. Art Hall of the Center for Applied Economics at the University of Kansas, using publically available data to help give context to K-12 policy discussions in Kansas.  Read the full Press Release here. 

9.23.10
New Study:  No Evidence That Spending Raises Proficiency
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact James Franko (316) 634-0218

(Wichita, KS) - A new study from Kansas Policy Institute shows that while per-pupil spending has jumped 42% since 2003, the percentage of students scoring 'Proficient' on national assessment tests has barely changed.  Only about one-third of students are considered proficient in Reading and a little more than half are 'Proficient' in Math. Read the full Press Release here.

4.30.2010
Schools districts use carryover reserves to spend more this year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Anne Chandler (316) 634-0218
 
(Wichita, KS) Analysis of K-12 spending projections for FY 2010 shows that total spending is up about $320 million over last year, with about $220 million of the increase in current operating costs and the rest is in Capital and Debt Service.  174 districts are predicting higher operating expenditures this year; 77 districts have reductions of less than 5% and 42 districts have reductions greater than 5%.  Read the full Press Release here.

4.7.2010
Kansans Unwilling to Pay Higher Taxes for Schools under Current Conditions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Anne Chandler (316) 634-0218

(Wichita, KS) A new statewide public opinion survey conducted by The Research Partnership on behalf of Kansas Reporter shows that Kansans are strongly opposed to paying higher taxes for schools because total aid per-pupil is 26% higher now than five years ago, which is the baseline for school aid being increased under the Montoy decision. Read the full Press Release here.

3.23.2010
School Spending Study Finds $717 Million in Potential Savings 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Dave Trabert (316) 634-0218

(Wichita, KS) A new study on K-12 spending in Kansas concludes that schools statewide are spending as much as $717 million more than is necessary, and that implementing the 'best practices' of more efficient districts could eliminate the need to raise taxes or cut spending on other essential services. Read the full Press Release here.