How’s that block grant funding working out? Not so well. “Twenty one school districts in Kansas are seeking emergency funding from the state after budget-cut problems are made worse by dropping fuel prices.
“The falling prices at the pump have caused property values to drop for oil wells across Kansas. School districts get their money from property taxes, so many districts say their value dropped significantly along with the oil prices…
“The 21 districts requesting the emergency funding include Wakeeney, Moscow, Deerfield, Rolla, Hodgeman County, South Barber, Plainville, Quinter, Ness City, St. John-Hudson, Woodson, Burrton, Sublette, Russell, Hoisington, Stanton County, Garden City, Ingalls, Dighton, Satanta and South Haven.
“Another 15 school districts are expected to request money from the fund because of growing enrollment.”
Read more here: http://m.kwch.com/news/21-kansas-school-districts-seek-emergency-funding-from-state/34665116
On our Facebook page under a post on this article, state Budget Director Shawn Sullivan commented, “The 21 school districts with decreased property values wouldn’t have received any new state aid for this reason this school year under the old formula. The previous year’s assessed valuations would have been used. So- seems like the block grant may work out for those 21.” However, one commenter pointed out that that was not so for the 15 applicants with increasing enrollment, and we replied, “The funding for those districts [with decreased valuation] would have been addressed next year, though, and under the block grant it won’t. Correct? And the emergency funding is quite limited.” Mr. Sullivan admitted, “Yes- you are correct. The assessed valuation decrease causing less local money would have required more state money in the 16/17 school year in the old finance formula. The extraordinary needs fund has $12 million allocated to it this year and $17 million next year.”