School Aid Delayed

Kansas delayed a payment of aid to local school districts for four days last week due to cash-flow problems caused by December state revenue that came in $22 million below expectations.

January’s payment of $197 million, due on Jan. 3, was split, with $98 million going out as scheduled and the remainder on Jan. 7.

The state delayed school aid payments 12 times in fiscal 2010, but January’s split was the first delay in fiscal 2011.

Deputy budget director Elaine ­Frisbie said state payroll and debt service take priority over other demands, ­leaving school aid delays as one of the few ­options available for dealing with ­temporary cash shortages.

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