Kansas Officials Approve $4.2M in Emergency Aid for Schools

Republican Gov. Sam Brownback and top legislators have approved $4.2 million in emergency aid for 25 public school districts after trimming back their requests.

Brownback and eight top lawmakers reviewed the requests Monday under a school funding law enacted earlier this year. They approved a previous round of aid in August.

The districts sought $6.5 million for greater student numbers, unexpected drops in property tax revenues or other reasons. Brownback and legislative leaders approved 66 percent of their requests.

The Wichita district sought $980,000 for additional teachers and classroom aides for an influx of refugee children. The amount was reduced to $367,000 because of uncertainty about refugee numbers.

The meeting came three days after the Kansas Supreme Court heard arguments over whether the funding law complies with the state constitution.