Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates in federal, state and local races address leading up to the Nov. 3 election.

Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to residents across Johnson County.

Each day this week, we’ll publish the candidates’ responses to one question. So far, we’ve published responses on property taxes.

Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:

Four Johnson County school districts have hired lawyers to prepare a possible lawsuit against the state, arguing that Kansas hasn’t fulfilled its mandated obligation to fund 92% of the excess cost of special education services since 2011. This year lawmakers added $6 million, but the districts say fully closing the gap would take about $225 million. As governor, would you fight that lawsuit or work to settle it by closing the funding gap? Explain why.

Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on the issue:

Ty Masterson / Jeffrey Klemp (Republican)

Every child with special needs deserves the support to succeed, and Kansas has steadily increased special education funding to help make that happen. Next year, the Legislature will write a new school finance formula, and that is the right place to fix the special education equation for the long term, not a courtroom. Lawsuits take years, cost taxpayers millions, and don’t put a single extra dollar in front of a child while they drag on.

As governor, I will work with districts and the Legislature on responsible funding, push the federal government to finally meet its own promises on special education, and make sure every dollar reaches students instead of bureaucracy. I’ll also expand options so parents of children with special needs can choose what works best for their child.

Cindy Holscher / KC Ohaebosim (Democratic)

For years, I have fought to expand education funding and ensure the state fully meets its obligations to local districts, including for special education. As governor, I will work to close the gap. By ensuring the wealthiest individuals and large corporations pay their fair share, we can meet our funding obligations and ease the burden on local communities.

Coming up:

Tomorrow, we will publish the candidates’ responses to the following question:

Kansas remains one of the few states that hasn’t expanded Medicaid, and outgoing Gov. Laura Kelly estimates last year’s federal budget law, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, will cost the state at least $150 million in lost health care funding. Where do you stand on expansion now that the federal bonus for expanding is gone? How would you respond to cuts that may come as a result of the federal budget?