Republican Gov. Sam Brownback and Kansas lawmakers say they won't consider increasing funding to public schools until they’re sure the money already spent on education is finding its way into the classroom. The Lawrence Journal-World reportsthat GOP lawmakers don't yet have a clear definition of what makes up classroom spending. Brownback said: “Right now, you've got this high percentage that's not getting to the classroom.”
But Democratic state Rep. Ed Trimmer, a retired 33-year teacher, was confused by the governor’s statement. He wondered how one defines classroom spending, adding: "Yes, I'd like to have had a raise or I'd like to have more money in materials and supplies, but I also didn't want the roof to leak on our computer equipment." Still, the governor’s focus continues to be on increasing efficiency rather than increasing funding.
The Department of Education reported in September that a majority of Kansas students weren't on track to be ready for college.
