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Minutes for SB450 - Committee on Senate Select Committee on Education Finance
Short Title
Amending the school finance transportation weighting calculation to use density and per capita allowance.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 21, 2018
Eddie Penner, Kansas Legislative Research Department, presented an overview of SB450. (Attachment 2)
Mr. Penner provided a balloon amendment that was supposed to be in the bill. He noted that this amendment was worked on by Senator Bollier. (Attachment 3)
Vice Chair Senator Denning asked if the high-density districts were taken into account. Mr. Penner responded that the bottom stair step accounts for this. Discussion ensued for clarification.
Senator Bollier asked to add how this bill came about. She noted that she reviewed a paper that went over 18 states' transportation funding and believed it was clear that Kansas had the best model. Senator Bollier noted that a challenge was that in our old funding mechanism the data had to be entered and changed frequently, but with this bill it is absolutely transparent, and anyone can plug in numbers and find out the cost. Senator Bollier noted she is grateful to the staff who were able to turn math into an easily-read bill.
Chairperson Baumgardner asked Senator Bollier to speak on the 2.5 miles. Senator Bollier stated a definition of how to measure 2.5 miles needs to be added at some point as this bill does not define the calculation. She noted that this is how they will measure mileage so there are constant numbers. Senator Pettey asked clarifying questions.
Chairperson Baumgardner stated it is her intention to work the two bills tomorrow, and this should allow time to create amendments. Senator Bollier is happy to move forward and asked anyone that has input to please let her know as soon as possible.
Mark Tallman, Kansas Association of School Boards, provided proponent testimony. (Attachment 4) He wants to go on record as a supporter. He reminded the Committee that if this bill does not pass that would mean a number or large districts would receive a cut in their funding that goes towards a mandatory requirement to provide transportation to students that live more than 2.5 miles from their school.
With no questions Chairperson Baumgardner adjourned the meeting.
