State Board approves preschool-age at-risk program counts for 2025–26; districts to receive school‑formula counts

The Kansas State Board of Education voted 8–2 on May 13 to approve districts to operate preschool-age at-risk programs for the 2025–26 school year and to count eligible enrolled 3- and 4-year-old students as half-time for state school formula enrollment and accompanying weightings.

Betty moved the motion that the board approve district operation of preschool-age at-risk programs and that students meeting at-risk criteria and enrolled and attending on count day be counted as half-time; the motion was seconded and carried 8–2. Board members discussed the funding sources for preschool-age at-risk programs during the consent discussion and emphasized that this particular program is funded through the state school funding formula rather than by federal grants. Several board members also said they would welcome additional conversations with staff about accountability and program design for early childhood interventions.

Supporters told the board that preschool-age at-risk programs are frequently targeted at children from economically disadvantaged families or other groups identified as at-risk, and that many districts depend on those placements to provide classroom staff and services. Board members who voted no said they had lingering concerns about oversight, program design and the long-term funding commitments. Those concerns did not change the outcome: the board adopted the plan and authorized the agencies to distribute program counts for the coming year.

The board asked KSDE staff to brief members who requested more detail on program requirements and implementation measures, and said it would consider legislative priorities if changes in funding strategy were required.