Last week’s announcement by Kan. Gov. Sam Brownback to reduce the base state aid per pupil has local school districts scrambling to figure out how to operate with less money if proposed budget cuts go through.
According to the Associated Press, overall state spending in Kansas would drop to $13.9 billion during the next fiscal year under Brownback’s proposed budget. The plan would cut base state aid to schools by $232 per student from $4,012 to $3,780. Base aid doesn’t account for all the state tax dollars received by Kansas’ 293 districts, but educators tend to focus on the figure as a measurement of the state’s commitment.
“I will study it more but I am concerned with the drop in base aid per pupil,” said State Sen. Jeff Longbine (R-Emporia). “In the proposed actual budget, there could be more money per student but it appears KPERS and bond indebtedness is included with that so it may be a true cut to education.”
Emporia
The decrease in per-pupil base aid would come in two steps.
For the rest of this school year, spending would decrease from $4,012 in per-pupil aid to $3,937, a drop of $75 per pupil. That cut alone would mean a reduction of $499,635 for Emporia USD 253, a reduction of $66,435 for Southern Lyon County and a reduction of $65,940 for North Lyon County during the current budget year.
In the 2011-12 school year per-pupil aid would be reduced from $3,937 to $3,780 per pupil, a decrease of $157 per-pupil. That would mean Emporia USD 253 would see a cut of $1,045,903.
In total if Brownback’s plan is passed, Emporia would have to operate with $1.5 million less than this year; Southern Lyon County $205,506; and North Lyon County $203,974.
Rob Scheib, assistant superintendent of business for Emporia USD 253, said the school district already made $1.4 million in cuts for this school year through performance based budgeting.
In March 2010 the board of education identified a list of 29 items that could be cut, of which 15 were implemented. Scheib said the remaining cuts on the list will likely be considered if the budget is reduced further.
Items still on the list for consideration include reducing administrative salaries by one percent, reducing classified salaries by one percent, eliminating fourth and fifth grade orchestra, eliminate after-school program bus routes, eliminating transportation of students who live between 1.5 and 2.5 miles from school, and eliminating seventh grade athletics and going back to intramurals.
Rural school districts
USD 251 North Lyon County
North Lyon County stands to lose $65,940 this school year and a projected loss of $138,000 for next year, said Mike Nulton, superintendent.
“Over the next few years we stand to lose over $200,000 off a $3.5 million budget,” Nulton said. “We’re going to lose a pretty good percentage.”
Nulton said the district made cuts last year with the expectation that the district’s enrollment was going to drop some.
“I think we will weather the storm but it’s going to affect the kids,” Nulton said.
Nulton said several half-truths are being told in regard to school funding.
“His (Brownback’s) publicist is saying that he is adding money to education,” Nulton said. “He hasn’t added money to education.”
Nulton explained his previous statement by stating that Brownback has taken money away from schools and put some into special education because if the money was not put into special education, federal funds would be lost. He state that Brownback also put money into KPERS, the state’s retirement fund.
“Which is all well and good,” he said. “But is it really education?”
Brownback also put money into an interest and bond fund, which doesn’t help North Lyon County either.
“We don’t have bonds in our district so that doesn’t help,” Nulton said. “Not a penny that he said he added to education is coming to schools to help kids.”
Nulton said the district will have to take several measures to deal with the loss in funding.
“They would love us to deal with it locally by raising taxes where we can,” Nulton said.
However, the district will use measures for now such as spending down reserves and possibly not replacing teachers that retire.
“It’s probably going to effect kids,” he said. “I don’t see any good news in the near future.”
Nulton said the cut takes funding back to where it was in the 1990s.
“Do you want to start paying your bills from a 1990 perspective?” he said. “I don’t think it’s going to work.”
USD 252 Southern Lyon County
USD 252, Southern Lyon County, stands to lose $66,435 this school year and next year stands to lose $139,071, said Mike Argabright, superintendent of Southern Lyon County.
“We expected a cut for next year,” Argabright said. “This year’s cut I thought we would get by because we were under the understanding that it wouldn’t be necessary.”
Argabright said coverage of the issue has been misleading, including the spending per pupil.
“That’s frustrating,” he said.
Some of the money will reach students such as money set aside for special education.
“The KPERS money does not reach students,” Argabright said. “They are not putting money into the classroom with the exception of some special education money.”
Southern Lyon County’s enrollment is up this year, Argabright said, which makes the district fortunate.
“Plus the planning that went into last year and the cuts we made last year,” he said. “(The effect) is going to be minimal with increased enrollment and planning last year. Some of the planning included knowing we would probably get another cut. I would credit our Board of Education and our staff for the position that we’re in right now.”
Argabright added that staff and teachers should be commended.
“I just hope everyone will thank the teachers and staff who are working with kids, because they continue to have to do more with less and they are caring for our children,” he said. “And I just hope people will take the time to pat people on the back when they can. And that does go a long way.”
USD 284
Chase County
USD 284, Chase County, stands to lose $53,190 in the FY 2011 budget.
“It is also proposed that the reduced FY 12 reduction would cost USD 284 and additional $111,344 if our enrollment does not decline, which it is not projected to do, so that figure is a minimum value at this time,” said Greg Markowitz, superintendent of USD 284, in a letter to Chase County district stakeholders.
Markowitz said the fiscal year 11 cut is due to decreased state property valuations, an increase of funded at-risk students (based on free lunches) and an increase in overall student enrollment.
“The FY 12 reduction is to offset the loss of federal ARRA funds which will expire at the end of FY 11,” he said. “Neither of these reductions are unexpected but this is the first time that the actual amount of the reduction has been put into proposal form.”
Markowitz said it’s important to realize that this is only the governor’s recommendation.
“But there is little reason to believe that significant changes will be made by the newly elected legislature,” he said. “There are not many easy ways out of a $500 million budget ‘hole.’”
Markowitz added that the Chase County Board of Education will begin the process of deciding how the district will adjust to the reduction in cuts if the cuts are handed down.
“Our new contingency reserve fund should handle the current budget year reduction,” Markowitz said. “But, balancing the FY 12 budget will not be an easy nor a pleasant task nor the one that makes everyone happy, but it is a task that must be done if the district is to remain financially viable in the long term.”
Markowitz added that the children of Chase County are counting on the leaders of the district.
“This is certainly not the kind of budget news that we were wanting to hear, but now is not the time to feel sorry for ourselves,” he said.
KNEA
Kansas National Education Association President Blake West said cutting the base state aid does not meet the governor’s pledge to fund public schools.
“The best results happen when teachers, working as part of a team, focus on meeting students’ learning needs. Unfortunately, this proposed budget will prompt more cuts that will hurt student learning. Teachers fear more of their colleagues — educators, librarians, paraprofessionals and counselors — will lose their jobs.
“These per pupil cuts further damage schools, making it difficult to maintain programs and supplies. How can schools, students and teachers do what they have to do to meet growing federal and state requirements … with less support from the state?”
West also said that as lawmakers consider funding alternatives, they should know that the tax policy must provide a stable revenue stream to make the environment favorable for economic development.
“Studies show education is the key to economic development. Public schools must be funded so that Kansas remains competitive and our students, our citizens, enjoy successful careers in Kansas,” West said.
jokesonme (anonymous) says...
I always thought education was important, not one of the main things to get chopped by the leaders of our gov't.
January 18, 2011 at 5:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Free4all (anonymous) says...
Lets make the next generation to uneducated to know better. What a brilliant economic idea. They will never know. Only thing that also upsets me is hearing about these cutbacks then to hear a school do research on a million dollar football stadiums.
January 18, 2011 at 6:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Free4all (anonymous) says...
I should run for office and get my new career as a politician started since I seem to have common sense. Why is it that education and health always the first to get cut. How about cutting back on the new facelift the State Capital is getting, sell off a few state vehicles and make employees who use them share them. Close the cafateria in the state building and then state employees will visit the LOCAL restaraunts putting more money into the big bucket. Is the governer going without in anyway? Is he doing his part?
January 18, 2011 at 6:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Over what? 60% of the states budget is for education?
sounds ripe for some cutting.
How much actually goes into teaching the kids and how much goes to turf fields, new additions and such.
I WOULD REALLY THANK THOSE IN ADMIN AND CLASSIFIED STAFF FOR
MAYBE
HAVING TO TAKE A 1% SALARY CUT.
It shows without a doubt, that you REALLY care about "the children".
January 18, 2011 at 6:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Some of the ideas for cutting on the 253 budget are solid.
eliminate after-school program bus routes,
eliminating transportation of students who live between 1.5 and 2.5 miles from school,
and eliminating seventh grade athletics and going back to intramurals.
Then instead of a 1% pay cut for administative and classified staff, let's show we are really serious and cut it by 5%.
It is, after all, 'FOR THE CHILDREN"
January 18, 2011 at 6:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
armybrat (anonymous) says...
Big problem with education is lofty pensions and yes maybe cut them and pay into retirement like everybody else in the real world. This would save state education budget a Tuiition at state school is better bargain than secondary education.
January 18, 2011 at 7 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
notfromhere (anonymous) says...
@ Steve, I agree that administrations pay could be cut. The certified workers of USD 253 didn't get a pay increase this year but the administration did.
Cut education so the US can fall further behind....great plan. Two thumbs wwwway up on that one.
January 19, 2011 at 9:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AverageCitizen2 (anonymous) says...
I don't think $$ or the lack of it is the reason the education in the US is failing.
January 19, 2011 at 9:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tbluma (anonymous) says...
AverageCitizen2
You sure hit the nail on the head.
Steve
You're right also.
I think now would be a good time to go back to the drawing board. Re-open the middle schools, forget the astro turf and use the $1 million grant for the old schools instead.
I wonder how many of the board new about the old school issues when they got the grant to save energy by laying down astro turf hmmmmm??
January 19, 2011 at 9:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
The next time you hear an administrator or board member talk about base state aid per pupil of approximately $4,000.00 per student, go to the usd253 website and do a little math of your own. Total budget divided by number of students is well
OVER $14,000.00 PER STUDENT.
I think it can be lowered without affecting the learning.
January 19, 2011 at 11:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
heloves (anonymous) says...
I have learned to abound and I have learned to be abased. We've had too many "props" in the past and we're reaping what has been sown. How many of our children really want to learn and develop a good work ethic? How many adults? Tax revenues are down. Some are without a job thru no fault of their own. Some just don't want to work. Too many have planted on quicksand. The fact that way too many of our students aren't learning the basic 3Rs is made worse by what they are learning, laziness, immediate gratification. poor stewardship. Faith is more than just a word. Needs should come before wants. Lip service by officials sounds good. The answer lies in the individual heart. But actions reveal that. We all need to examine ourselves, also. We are the people. We are the taxbase. Anytime we put our wants above and the needs of others, we all lose. Pride comes before and a haughty spirit before a fall. We decry socialism, but set ourselves up for it. Democracy requires self-discipline. Chaos and anarchy need a "nanny state". But there is hope.
January 19, 2011 at 1:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Ron_P...
January 19, 2011 at 2:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-EAYn...
January 19, 2011 at 2:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
http://www.jonesreport.com/article/07...
January 19, 2011 at 2:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Wichitawings (anonymous) says...
I think the state legislators, including the governor need to take a 10% pay cut, and let us use our tax dollars to educate our children and not their little perks!
January 19, 2011 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
http://geraldcelentechannel.blogspot....
January 19, 2011 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
armybrat says, "Big problem with education is lofty pensions and yes maybe cut them and pay into retirement like everybody else in the real world."
Lofty pensions? You must be nuts.
Like everybody else? Boy are you misinformed. I am a retired teacher and I paid into my own retirement fund for my entire career. Nobody paid it for me. Sure it's for my lifetime, but I worked for every bit of my money, damn hard too. I made sure your kids had a good education and weren't sold short on the things they needed to know.
During play rehearsals, I stayed late almost every night because some PARENTS were late picking up their kids, sometimes by ONE HOUR.
On top of that, I'll have you know that for twenty plus years I took money out of my own pocket every single year to pay for things that were turned down in my requisitions. When I taught photography, for example, most of the darkroom supplies and equipment belonged to ME!!! Your kids used it for nothing!
Out of my own pocket I paid for paper, pens, pencils, even three ring binders because so many kids came to school without. Did you forget to buy your kids paper? And I mean printer paper too. Damn!
Tell you what, army brat, every year from now on, you go to Staples on Teacher's Day when they offer teachers specials on supplies just before school starts. You go and watch the huge number of teachers who are there buying all their own classroom supplies with their own money.
Who the hell do you think you are!!!
January 19, 2011 at 3:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
People who cry about people that earn a retirement couldn't hold a job for 20 months let alone 20 years. That says allot about themselves in itself. Disloyal, untrustworthy, incompetent, dishonest, irritating, lazy or any other number of reasons they were let go. Or maybe they just lack the knowledge, skills and ability to get into a career. Here is a suggestion. Find something you love to do and stick with it.:-)
January 19, 2011 at 4:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
create,
armybrat has a point, just may have not stated it the right way. No one thinks that teachers pensions are not deserved.
Defined pension plans, much like KPERS are being dropped by businesses all over because they are unsustainable. The money is just not there. Going to a different pension plan for state employees will be on the table, and soon. Those who have paid in deserve their benefits, (in all pension plans). However the state needs to change the government employee pension plan for future retirees or they may end up with nothing. It could happen.
January 19, 2011 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
http://hubpages.com/hub/Is-California...
January 19, 2011 at 4:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
What I said was long overdue so I stand by it. I have heard it before in many, many ways.
The teaching profession requires at least a 4-year degree. Plus, it requires updates in the form of workshops or college coursework. While many districts paid for those workshops at one time, many no longer do because of cutbacks. That doesn't mean they are not still required. They are. Who pays for those? The teacher has to cough it up.
Emporia State is one institution whose campus is full of teachers every summer who take courses for upgrading their licenses. Those are graduate level courses that cost well over a hundred bucks an hour. Most of those classes are three hour classes. Who pays for those courses? The teacher does.
Today, more than ever, teachers are taking money out of their own pockets to pay for classroom supplies that their districts have cut out of requisitions.
For example, Kleenex is a common request on the supply list. While it is true that many people do buy what's on the list, many do not. Who makes up the deficit? Yeah, you guessed it. Those children get runny noses too.
Could it be that some people take advantage of teachers because they are child-oriented people who can't stand to see a kid go without?
Those people who want to bitch about professionals who get pensions should think about obtaining a college degree and going to work for an organization that offers a pension, not just working day to day, hand to mouth in a go-nowhere job. Think about upgrading yourself and spend 20 or 30 years doing it.
Yeah, I can see where pension plans need to be upgraded with a new design too. But don't make a blanket statement like army brat did by blaming those who have paid into a system for their entire careers. That's just plain sour grapes!
January 20, 2011 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )