Superintendent warns state shortfalls in special‑education funding will shift costs to McPherson schools

Doctor Vincent delivered the superintendent’s report and highlighted state budget actions that affect special‑education 'excess cost' funding for Kansas school districts.

He said the governor’s fiscal‑year‑27 budget included a $50,600,000 increase that would raise funding to about 70% of excess cost, but that the House K‑12 budget recommended only a $10,000,000 increase — roughly one‑fifth of the governor’s proposal. "When the state does not meet its obligation to fund special education excess cost, you fund it out of your general fund locally," Doctor Vincent said, explaining that districts must then divert general‑fund dollars from new programs, employee compensation and other investments.

Board members and staff discussed the longer‑term implications: Doctor Vincent said state statute targets higher funding (he cited a statutory funding target near 92%) and noted years of growing needs and insufficient state investment have produced a persistent shortfall. He also mentioned a member’s motion in the legislature to increase funding by nearly $240,000,000 that did not succeed.

Practical next steps: Doctor Vincent invited trustees to attend Advocacy Day in Topeka on March 11 to meet lawmakers and urged board members to coordinate advocacy with him for targeted messaging to Senator Fagg and Representative Wilborn. He said district staff will continue to track legislative developments and provide updates in weekly reports and future board meetings.

Context and limits: The superintendent framed the budget figures as summaries of proposals at the state level and not final appropriations; board members asked for continued follow‑up and for staff to provide clarifying analysis in advance of future meetings.