Here’s the block grant perspective from Newton.
“So, a reduction during our current year followed by some modest increases, right? Well, yes…if you just look at the totals. The legislature has touted that a benefit of the block grant method is taking off the weightings and allowing districts more flexibility in how they use their funds. This is misleading, however, as paying the KPERS obligation is no more an option for local districts than it has been for the state. In order to get a clearer picture, then, I offer you the same information included above, but minus the KPERS line…
“Looks a bit different, huh? Same reduction for our current year, and very small increases for the following two. Some would say this is ok…it’s just flat funding and not a reduction. And frankly, some would be wrong. Flat is never flat. Increases in fixed costs like electricity, water, sewer, property insurance, unemployment/work comp insurance, etc. are very likely. Giving salary schedule movement to our very deserving teaching staff costs about $300,000 each year. Offering modest hourly increases to dedicated classified staff is needed to hire and retain qualified personnel. With flat funding, the only way to compensate for such increases is to find other places to reduce expenses. Unfortunately, after years of budget reductions in public education, the easy choices are long gone.”
Read more here: http://usd373businessbuzz.blogspot.com/2015/03/block-grants-impact-on-newton.html