USD 350 is starting out this school year with a significantly smaller budget. Kansas schools are funded based on the number of students enrolled.
Last year the funding rate was $4,433 per student. Due to the economic downturn in the state and nation, the state legislature last spring passed funding that reduced the funding per student.
In July, the Governor further reduced this amount to help the state meet the requirements of the cash basis law.
The net result of these reductions was that schools received $4,218 dollars per student compared to the $4,433 of last year.
What did this mean for USD 350?
The result of less funding per student, combined with fewer students than last year, means the general fund budget is approximately $248,900 less than last year.
The school district is also receiving less state support for our local option budget (LOB). Last year the district received 15% state support for the LOB fund. This year that support is only 1.2%. Less state support means that
more local taxes would be required to provide the same amount of dollars for the LOB fund.
In order to lessen the increased tax burden locally, the district reduced the local option budget by $52,000 and eliminated local tax funding for our capital outlay fund for one year.
The net reductions for all funds for the school district are approximately $300,900.
The changes the school district made to address these reductions in funding include: three and one half less teaching positions, one less paraprofessional position, one less custodial position, one less food service position, one
less library aide, reducing professional development, eliminating seconds on lunch entrees, reducing heating and cooling utilities, discontinuing summer school, and reducing the athletic budget by 10 percent.
In November, the state revenue estimating group will meet and project the state's revenue forecast for the remainder of the fiscal year. If this group forecasts less revenue than currently anticipated, the legislature would likely cut school funding again in the spring.
The school district would then face additional position and program cuts over and above those already made.
All state schools face a bleak financial outlook for the next two years, with the possibilities of additional reductions each year.
Parents are again reminded and encouraged to sign up for the Parents Online program that is being offered this school year.
Parents Online allows parents to access and review progress reports, attendance, class schedules, student calendars, and grade cards from any computer at any time.
The only requirement is for parents to have an active email address and account to activate their access to Parents Online.
Studies show that parent involvement is the single greatest influence on student performance.
Please contact the elementary or junior/senior high school office for information about how to register for this access.
Upcoming events: Sept. 14 JH Band to the State Fair, Sept, 23 Progress Reports
Thought for the week: The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night's sleep. - E. Joseph Cossman
