Holliday expects more bad fiscal news ahead for schools, but Read to Achieve funding still coming

Meets with Local School Board Member Advisory Council

This from Brad Hughes at KSBA:

Education Commissioner Terry Holliday knows education funding cuts could be on the horizon, but he wants to assure district leaders that money for one significant instructional program remains in place.

Addressing his Local School Board Member Advisory Council Friday in Frankfort, Holliday pointed to multiple uncertainties for school funding in the coming months.

“We’re expecting to hear next week from the governor our budget reductions in state agency funds for this year,” the commissioner said. “The governor is looking at $120 million to $130 million this year and $160 million next year.

“I’ve alerted all of your superintendents not to expect textbook money,” he said. “We’re down to $650,000 or about $1 a child. That will be our first place (to cut), because what can you do with a dollar a child?”

“We’ve always had a little cushion in SEEK. It was $45 million this year (but) I don’t think there’s going to be a cushion next year,” Holliday said.

“This budget is problematic at a time when we have less money, less resources and more bad news to come,” he said. “If anything next year, I’ll bet there’s going to be a shortfall in SEEK. So you are wise to hold onto your fund balances.”...

One issue Holliday hopes to clear up during that briefing is confusion over reimbursement for the Reach to Achieve literacy initiative utilized by many districts. Participating districts get 65 percent of eligible expenses reimbursed by the state, and must pick up the remaining 35 percent...