Lottery revenues could possibly be used for college scholarships, but tobacco settlement funds could help reduce class size, advance technology and help fund special education programs. Eight years ago, when the formula was introduced, almost every Republican legislator voted against the proposal because it placed all of the funds in Topeka for distribution from there. There are a few problems with the formula because it should reward excellence rather than students showing up for class. The formula needs an accountability component. Currently, the state makes allowance for those districts with declining enrollment numbers.
Districts are able to take the highest enrollment numbers from the preceding two years.
Medicare reimbursements are the problem, and that's the federal government. We need more service requirements for students attending KU School of Medicine. More than one half of graduating students leave the state. We have begun to beef up college and university programs to meet the needs of rural communities. Logically, it's funded through the collection of income and sales tax rather than relying heavily on property taxes.