Bill would allow public schools in Kansas to pay for college tuition

Terrell Davis pictures a future where students currently at risk of falling through cracks instead walk across a graduation stage with both a high school diploma and 60 hours of college credit.

Davis, executive director of public affairs for Wichita Public Schools, said the launch this year of the district’s Early College Academy will change the trajectory of 50 students.

These students may come from low-income families, and current state law blocks public schools from paying for higher education classes. Davis said the district is raising funds to help offset tuition costs, but he encouraged members of a Senate panel on Monday to support legislation that would allow schools to use general fund dollars on programs like the one in Wichita.