New estimates released on Thursday of last week indicate the state school finance appropriation for the current year is $100 million short of funding the $4,218 per pupil amount districts used to create their budgets. Unless the Legislature adds that money or makes some other change in the funding, the State is expected to reduce the $4,218 per pupil amount by approximately $150 per weighted student. This probable reduction does not include further reductions in state aid that might be ordered as a result of the continuing weakness in state tax receipts. State officials are scheduled to release the revised State General Fund revenue estimates for the current year, Fiscal Year 2010, and the upcoming year, FY 2011. Most experts believe the numbers will be revised downward, requiring further cuts in state spending this year. That will also certainly include K-12 education aid. It is also likely to require even deeper reductions next year. Although the revised State General Fund estimates were released last Thursday, it is still to be seen when the actual impact on school districts will be determined. Governor Mark Parkinson has stated he will use his allotment powers to eliminate the deficit in the current year before the Legislature convenes in January, as he did at the beginning of the year. However, if state revenues continue to lag, additional cuts could be required before the end of the fiscal year on June 30
, 2010. (Adapted from the Kansas Association of School Boards)
Other cities in Kansas are or will be making the same disclosures. Under the guise of “no money=no quality education” we can expect more than a few tax increase suggestions to be brought forth. Beware. These one half cent proposals add up in the end.
SOURCE: St Johns News
