The controversial school finance funding overhaul plan in the Kansas legislature that received final approval in the Kansas House of Representatives Friday could have a major impact on Salina USD 305. The plan incorporates Governor Sam Brownback’s proposal to give districts “block grants” based on their current aid for the next two school years, until lawmakers draft a new formula.

Salina voters passed a bond issue last year to fund school improvements and renovations. USD 305 Superintendent Bill Hall tells KSAL News that all bond projects are moving forward as planned. But the district will not receive additional operational funding for two years, like it would have under the previous funding plan.

Salina area representatives Diana Dierks and J.R. Claeys are on opposite ends of the issue. Dierks voted against the block grant proposal, while Claeys supported it.

Both representatives appeared on KSAL’s Friendly Fire program Thursday evening. They were in agreement that they are now concerned about how the district will shift funds for operational costs.

Hall added that along with losing the operational funding, USD 305 is also losing about $950,000 in the current school year from cuts.

The funding issue, which narrowly passed on Friday, now goes to the Kansas Senate.