K-12 budget panel approves roof repairs, procurement flexibility and pay increases for state schools for the blind and deaf

Jennifer Light of the Kansas Legislative Research Department told the committee the green handout shows the State Institutions Building Fund would have an illustrative ending balance of $28.2 million at the end of fiscal 2026 and $23.8 million at the end of fiscal 2027 if every agency request were included.

Representative Vestas moved the committee fund the Edmond Dorm and Dining Hall roof replacement at the Kansas State School for the Blind for $718,750, with a capital-improvement base increase of $87,272 from SIBF. Members who visited the roof described rust penetrating the support structure and supported the full request. The motion passed unanimously.

Representative Brantley moved that the committee recommend language authorizing the Kansas State School for the Blind to procure goods and services under school-district procurement statutes rather than the state agency procurement statutes, contingent on a follow-up report to the committee demonstrating cost savings and operational efficiencies. Committee counsel outlined the difference: the school is currently a state agency subject to procurement rules in chapter 75, article 37 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated while school…