2nd Edition of Money Talk
by Larry R. Combs, Superintendent
February 13, 2009
Money Talk
2nd Edition—February 13, 2009
In the First Edition of “Money Talk” I indicated I would provide updates on the financial situation for Kansas schools on a regular basis. To be candid, there have been so many proposals discussed in Topeka in the last couple of weeks there was no concrete information to share and an abundance of information to share that was speculative.
Late yesterday (Thursday, February 12th) legislation was passed that addresses the issue of cuts for Kansas schools for the current school year. The Kansas House and Senate have approved a bill that will cut $62,984 from the USD #239 General Fund and $11,452 from Special Education funds. The total cut for this school year for our district is $74,436.
There are news reports that indicate the Governor may “line item veto” the education cut in the bill passed yesterday. I am not sure what course of action will be taken if the Governor exercises the “line item veto” for the education cut. At this point I am operating under the assumption that USD #239 will be cut a total of $74,436 the current school year. The cut will be handled by cutting back on end of year transfers and purchases.
Now that the issue of cuts for the current school year appears to be resolved the Kansas Legislature is moving forward with discussion for the cuts for the 2009-2010 school year. The Kansas State Department of Education has been asked to provide the Legislature information on cuts for Kansas schools that are in a range of 5% to 18%.
In terms of dollars and cents the cut under discussion in Topeka would impact USD #239 in a range from $250,000+ (5% cut) to $1,000,000+ (18% cut). To be candid, the 5% cut would be difficult to handle. As the cut percent grows from the 5% range upward it moves from being difficult to handle to devastating for the education program we will be able to offer the students of North Ottawa County.
It is alarming that 5% is the starting point for the discussions regarding the next round of cuts. A few weeks ago school districts were advised to prepare for cuts with a 5% cut in the top range of potential cuts for next year. It now appears that 5% may be the starting point for the potential cut for the 2009-2010 school year.
It is important to keep in mind that the political process and discussions regarding the budget cuts for next year have just started. There will be many more proposals put forth before this issue is resolved. I would encourage you to contact our Legislators to let them know cuts of the magnitude under discussion in Topeka will be extremely detrimental to the quality of education USD #239 will be able to offer the children of North Ottawa County.
Some have asked me if the Federal economic stimulus package may help to decrease the amount the state will cut schools for next year. There are dollars in the federal stimulus package for education in each state. However there is no information available at this time has to how those dollars will impact Kansas and individual school districts in our state. I will share that information as soon as it is made available.
Thank you for taking time to read this article. If you have questions over the current school finance issues or other issues please feel free to give me a phone call (785/392-2167) or send me an e-mail at lcombs@usd239.org.
