The Kansas Education Funding Task Force meeting on September 3, 2025, spotlighted critical discussions surrounding the distribution and effectiveness of Perkins funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE). A significant point raised was the allocation of Perkins funds, which are split evenly between higher education and K-12 education, with $12 million designated for these programs. This funding is intended to support CTE initiatives, but questions arose about its impact and accountability.

Representative Williams expressed concerns about the outcomes of CTE funding, highlighting a 30% increase in investment over the past five years without clear evidence of success in meeting workforce demands. He questioned whether the state is effectively preparing students for the job market, particularly when some funded programs, like cosmetology, may not align with high-demand career paths. "Are we really getting the bang for the buck?" he asked, emphasizing the need for measurable results from CTE programs.

Dr. Harwick responded by noting that CTE pathways are evaluated every five years based on labor data to ensure they meet high demand and high wage criteria. However, the discussion revealed a gap in tracking long-term outcomes for students who complete these programs, such as job placement rates and further education.

The meeting also touched on the importance of aligning CTE programs with the Promise scholarship list to ensure that funding supports relevant career paths. As the task force continues its work, the need for transparency and accountability in CTE funding remains a pressing issue, with members calling for better data to assess the effectiveness of these educational investments. The outcomes of these discussions could shape future funding strategies and educational policies in Kansas, aiming to better equip students for the evolving workforce.