Navigating School Budgets

April 21, 2026

• Description

  On April 21, 2026 at noon, KSBRC hosted a webinar, designed to provide a practical, high-level overview of how districts can spend more strategically to build long-term financial health while maintaining a strong focus on student outcomes.

  As enrollment declines across Kansas and costs continue to rise, districts are facing increasingly difficult budget decisions. This webinar will equip school board members and district leaders with practical skills in strategic fiscal management, finance policy analysis, and effective financial leadership. Participants will gain insight into the key questions leaders should be asking to align financial decisions with their highest priority—ensuring that their district resources are used to support and sustain long term academic achievement.

  Panelist:
  Dave Trabert is Chief Executive Officer of Kansas Policy Institute, where he also does research and writes on fiscal policy and education issues. He is the lead author of three books: 8 Things to Know about Running for School Board (January 2025), Giving Kids a Fighting Chance with School Choice, and What was Really the Matter with the Kansas Tax Plan. His other published work includes “Student-Focused Funding Solutions for Public Education” and “Removing Barriers to Better Public Education.”

  Trabert was an appointed member of the Kansas K-12 Student Achievement and Efficiency Commission. He serves on the Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force and co-chairs the Education Finance Joint Working Group for the American Legislative Exchange Council.

  His commentaries have been published by The Wall Street Journal, National Review, Investor’s Business Daily, Forbes, The Washington Times, The Washington Examiner, RealClearPolicy, TheHill.com, and The Daily Caller. His guest editorials have also been published in many Kansas newspapers.

  He graduated cum laude from West Liberty University with a degree in Business Administration.