State Sen. Ralph Ostmeyer’s 40th District includes portions of 14 northwest Kansas counties and some of the smallest school districts in the state. When contacted by Hays Post regarding the school funding compromise, the Grinnell Republican said he believed the initiative would be good for those he serves.

“The Legislature, after two long days, passed HB 2506 that met requirements of recent Kansas Supreme Court ruling for funding schools and providing equity. The main purpose of the bill was to meet the Supreme Court’s order for about $130 million in funding for LOB (local option budget) and capital outlay that courts said was unequal across state,” Ostmeyer said. “HB2506 increases funding to schools by $73 million and includes $78 million of property tax relief. There is some relief for some schools LOB by presuming base state aid per pupil (BSAPP) will be $4,490, increase from current law $4,433. If any district with LOB of at least 30 percent, can seek another 2 percent of LOB authority. The actual BSAPP used in the formula is not that high and was increased $14. There were other add on items to the bill, with due process for teachers the most controversial.

“This was the best fiscal option for my district.”