District holds $100M in cash reserves while student performance declines

The Special Education and Related Services Funding Task Force convened on July 2, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding education funding in Kansas. A significant focus of the meeting was the growing cash reserves held by school districts, particularly in relation to funding for at-risk students.

During the discussions, a member highlighted that last year, $775 million was allocated for education, yet the funding gap had increased by 10%. This raised concerns about the substantial cash reserves, which have reportedly doubled since 2019, amounting to $100 million specifically earmarked for at-risk students. The member questioned the rationale behind holding such large reserves when student performance is reportedly declining.

The conversation emphasized the need for a more effective allocation of funds, suggesting that the current savings levels are excessive given the ongoing challenges faced by students. The member pointed out that while districts are expected to maintain a cash reserve of around 15% for operational expenses, the existing reserves far exceed this guideline.

The meeting underscored the urgency for a reassessment of how education funds are utilized, particularly in light of the declining outcomes for students. The Task Force aims to address these disparities and ensure that resources are directed towards improving educational results rather than accumulating excessive reserves. Further discussions and potential action steps are anticipated in future meetings as the Task Force continues its work on education funding reform.