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Tax Credits for Private Education Advance in Kansas Senate Committee
This week, the Committee on Assessment and Taxation recommended the passage of SB 509 as amended. This bill establishes the education opportunity tax credit for families who send children to accredited private schools or home schools.
The proposed bill would allow up to $75 million in tax credits in its inaugural year. Under provisions in the legislation, taxpayers with students enrolled in accredited private schools could receive a refundable tax credit amounting to 75% of the state's base student aid, equating to $3,815 per student. Similarly, students in non-accredited private schools, including home schools, would be eligible for a tax credit of 50% of the base aid, totaling $2,544 per student.
According to the fiscal note, Kansas had approximately 26,700 students enrolled in accredited private schools and potentially 54,300 in unaccredited private schools during the 2022-2023 academic year.
Proponents of the bill say the legislation would provide parents with financial resources to make the best choice for their children's education. Opponents argue that the bill is a tax incentive with little to no oversight and could jeopardize funding for public schools and potentially interject the state into homeschooling.
Americans for Prosperity - Kansas, Holy Savior Catholic Academy, Kansas Policy Institute, and yes. every. kid testified in support.
Game On for Kansas Schools, the Kansas Association of School Boards, the Kansas State Board of Education, Kansas Interfaith Action, the Kansas PTA, the United School Administrators of Kansas, and five private citizens testified in opposition.
Along with the tax credit bill, the Senate is also considering alternative measures, such as the Sunflower Education Equity Program, to provide education savings accounts for less affluent students.
Kansas House Passes Bill for Alternative Teacher Certification
This week, by a vote of 79-43, the House passed HB 2521, a bill requiring the state board of education to authorize teaching licenses for individuals who complete an alternative teacher certification program.
During the floor debate, Representative Jason Goetz, R-Dodge City, highlighted that the bill draws inspiration from successful models implemented in 14 other states, such as Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. Goetz stressed that the intention is not to compete with traditional higher education routes but to offer a viable option for those with existing credentials to serve in public schools.
The bill outlines clear criteria for alternative certification programs, requiring them to operate in multiple states for at least a decade and encompass comprehensive subject-area content and pedagogical training. Applicants must also pass subject area and pedagogy exams to qualify for the restricted license.
Under the proposed legislation, applicants with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution would be eligible to apply for a restricted license. This license would require two years of participation in a district-based mentorship program, ensuring continuous support and development.
However, the bill faced opposition from sides of the aisle. Critics argued that it undermines the authority of the State Board of Education and may compromise the quality of instruction in classrooms. They also raised concerns about the potential impact on current teachers and the overall educational experience for students, particularly at the elementary level.
Proponents of the bill highlighted the pressing need to address teacher shortages in Kansas. With districts using emergency substitute licenses for long-term positions due to a lack of qualified educators, there's an urgent call to diversify pathways into teaching.
The Senate may also consider a similar bill, SB 407, which has also sparked debate within the education community.
Data shows enrollment on the decline
The Kansas Association of School Boards published a story this month highlighting enrollment data compiled by the Kansas State Department of Education. According to the report, there were approximately 5,200 fewer students this year.
Key takeaways:
- Kansas's school-age population is dwindling, with a 5.2 percent decline in those under 18 from 2010 to 2024, significantly impacting the under-five demographic.
- Before the COVID-19 pandemic, public school enrollment in Kansas rose partly due to students shifting from accredited private schools. However, public and private schools experienced enrollment declines during the pandemic, with public school enrollment not yet returning to pre-pandemic levels and private school enrollment remaining nearly 9 percent lower than in 2011.
- During the pandemic, alternative schooling options increased but have leveled off; estimates suggest that the percentage of children aged 5-17 not attending public or accredited private schools peaked above 6 percent in 2021
- The number of students eligible to receive free meals is rising, as is the number of students requiring special services due to disabilities.
Read the report from KSDE.
Read our full legislative report.
Key 2024 Legislative Deadlines
- March 22 - Last day for non-exempt committees to meet
- March 28 - Last day for non-exempt bills in either Chamber
- April 5 - First Adjournment (Drop Dead Day)
- April 29 - Veto Session begins
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