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The Gap That Costs Us All: Special Education Funding, Olathe, and the Future of Kansas Schools
Wednesday May 27, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 610
The Reality: Kansas law (K.S.A. 72-3422) mandates that the state fund 92% of the "excess costs" for special education. In reality, funding has hovered near 66–69%, forcing districts like Olathe to divert millions from general operating budgets to fill the gap.


The Impact: In Johnson County alone, districts are transferring over $132 million annually from general funds to cover the shortfall. This session pulls back the curtain on how "Special Ed funding" isn't just a "Special Ed problem"—it’s a classroom size problem, a school staff retention problem, and a student resource problem for every child in Kansas.


What we will cover:
The Math: Breaking down the 92% statutory requirement vs. the actual reimbursement rates.
The Olathe Context: Why Olathe’s higher identification rates and specialized programs (CBR, etc.) create unique budget pressures compared to neighboring districts.
Long-Term ROI: Evidence-based data showing that every $1 invested in Special Ed yields a $2–$10 return through improved workforce participation and reduced social costs.
The Toolkit: Participants will receive a Social Media & Advocacy Toolkit to help communicate these complexities to parents and community members.


Please bring a laptop or tablet to access the digital toolkit and interactive data comparisons.
Speakers
JE

Jonathan Eshnaur

Special Education Teacher, Olathe Northwest
I am a special education teacher.
Wednesday May 27, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room 610
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