Misinformation regarding education in Kansas abounds. Here are some interesting facts that many voters are surprised to learn:
*K-12 Education accounts for over 50% of the Kansas budget. With higher education factored in, 67% of the total budget goes towards Education.
*Due to an unfair school finance forumula, most of the money raised in Johnson County for education is spent outside of the county. In fact, for every $5 raised locally in Johnson County for education, $4 goes elsewhere.
*Kansas school districts have spent $2.6 billion dollars MORE per year than 10 years ago to teach the same number of students.
*Kansas scores on national tests have remained flat, according to U.S. Dept. of Education.
*Of Kansas high school graduates enrolling in college, 65% need remediation in math, English or reading. More than 50% drop-out of college without a degree.
*Kansas school districts hired 2,600 teachers between 2005-2009. They also added 3,800+ administrative jobs. The tax dollars you thought were going to education are largely going to administrators, not to classroom teachers.
*Kansas now has one of the lowest student/teacher ratios in America.