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SB 383

Adding certain third parties who contract with school districts to the definition of special teacher and authorizing special education state aid reimbursement for qualified teachers who provide approved special education or related services to students with an IEP administered by such school district pursuant to a contract.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas bill expands special education state funding eligibility to contracted third-party teachers providing IEP services, increasing reimbursable special education positions statewide.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 383

Legislative bill overview

SB 383 expands Kansas's definition of "special teacher" to include certain third-party contractors working with school districts, making them eligible for special education state aid reimbursement. The bill specifically authorizes reimbursement for qualified teachers employed through contracts who provide special education or related services to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Why is this important

Special education funding in Kansas is tied to staffing classifications, so expanding who qualifies as a "special teacher" directly affects how much state aid districts receive. This could help districts offset costs of contracted special education services, which have become increasingly common as districts struggle to hire full-time special education staff. However, it also shifts state funding mechanisms and may create new accounting or compliance requirements.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional clarity: The bill references "certain third parties" without specifying exact criteria, potentially creating ambiguity about which contractors qualify and generating disputes over eligibility
  • Fiscal impact on state budget: Expanding reimbursable positions increases state special education spending, though the cost magnitude is unclear without fiscal analysis
  • Labor market effects: This could incentivize districts to hire contractors instead of full-time employees, affecting special education teacher job security and union representation, or conversely, could help fill critical staffing shortages

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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