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Kentucky School Advocate

April 2019

Cuts to K-12 funding in Kentucky among worst in the nation
School formula funding in Kentucky continues to fall far below its pre-recession level, according to a new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). Kentucky’s SEEK (Support Education Excellence in Kentucky) formula is 13 percent less per student in 2019 than in 2008, after adjusting for inflation. Kentucky ranks fourth worst in the nation for these cuts.

The CBPP report shows that while many states with deep K-12 funding cuts since the recession boosted funding last year, Kentucky did not. Kentucky is also the only state among five states with teacher protests in 2018 that saw a decrease in inflation-adjusted funding.

Since the recession, states have shifted from state to local funding for education: Between 2008 and 2016, state funding nationally declined by $166 per student while local funding grew by $161.

“Districts are continually forced to rely more on local tax payers and to find ways to cover the 2019 rising operational costs while the funding levels are far below those of 2008,” said Erlanger-Elsmere Independent Superintendent Kathy Burkhardt. “This raises questions of our state’s constitutional obligation to provide adequate and equitable funding to public schools.”

Adequate school funding can improve student outcomes and strengthen state economies. However, steep funding cuts make it hard for states like Kentucky to support high-quality instruction, reduce class sizes, extend learning time, and enact other reforms that can improve student outcomes.

Conference recap
Don’t worry, you didn’t miss an issue of the Kentucky School Advocate. You can read the March issue (cover shown at right) at www.ksba.org/19MarchAdvocate.aspx for a recap of the 83rd Annual Conference. Check out the major speakers, find out about the KSBA business session, read about a clinic session you may have missed and see a gallery of photos.

Schoolhouses rock!
The 13th Annual KSBA Federal and State Law Update will be held June 14 at Fayette County’s Frederick Douglass High School. This year’s conference will focus on school safety with the title “Schoolhouses rock!” Fayette County presenters will explain their vision and efforts to improve school safety through district-initiated action. Attendees will tour the school’s safety features and hear from students and staff about their experiences and efforts to create a safe and successful learning environment.

In addition, KSBA’s attorneys and staff will summarize the 2109 Kentucky General Assembly, including a session devoted exclusively to Senate Bill 1 (the school safety bill), share information on district policy and procedure updates, and offer insights on current legal topics affecting Kentucky’s schools and boards.

The conference is open to school board members, school administrators and board attorneys. Board member credit has been approved and board members can also earn credit in the Academy of Studies. EILA credit for administrators and continuing legal education hours for attorneys are pending. A catered continental breakfast, buffet lunch and afternoon refreshments will be provided. Registration begins April 15 at www.kbsa.org.