Kansas Education Task Force debate over how to manage ‘at risk funding’

TOPEKA (KSNT) — Lawmakers once again met to discuss a new education funding formula on Wednesday.

The current plan is set to expire in 2027 and the Education Funding Task Force is deliberating over what to do with “at risk funding.”

The state puts more than half a billion dollars into at risk funding every year. This money goes towards resources and programs that are designed to help Kansas students who are considered to be at risk.

However, some members of the task force are questioning whether or not the money is actually helping these students. Data presented to the committee suggests that over the past four years, students that are considered to be “at risk” are not showing improved performance.

27 News talked with Kansas Republican Senator Beverly Gossage who believes this data is concerning.

“I think there is always frustration when you feel like there’s no accountability,” Gossage said. “We all have the same goal, we want students to achieve and show progress, but the question is how do we do that, what tools do we use, is the funding that we’re getting now adequate, is it used properly?”

Students need to meet one of 14 qualifications in order to be considered at risk. Some of these qualifications include chronic absenteeism and poor academic performance. The Task Force is hoping to agree on a new funding formula before the 2026 legislative session.

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