FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Gov. Andy Besher took action Thursday to fill an unintended shortage of primary funding sources for K-12 schools.
The Democratic governor said he has allowed the so-called Sheikh funding for 171 public school districts in Kentucky to be added in the current school year. That amount is intended to plug in shortfalls within some of the Seek Formula, which is required by law to be paid to the district.
“It’s not right for our school to face severe cuts mid-grade,” Bessia said as he announced his fundraising decision at his weekly press conference.
State Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher said the governor’s funding announcement was “an important development for public schools and cannot be overstated.”
“This action shows what can be achieved for public schools and students through collaborative efforts,” Fletcher said at the same event.
Excellence in Kentucky or SEEK’s Support Education includes per-base allocation and additional funding for transportation costs and special needs students.
Beshear’s actions came days after state education leaders told the Legislative Committee that budgets should be adjusted in response to the state’s lack of funding.
The governor on Thursday said the budget bill passed by lawmakers last year allows state education commissioners to request an increase in budget if the required spending exceeds initial estimates, and the governor approves those funds. He said he would allow it.
“We have the funds to accomplish this, so we approved a $14.7 million increase in our school,” the governor said. “There is no negative impact on other areas of the budget.”
Republican lawmakers have touted the amount of education funds included in the budget and said they rely on the state education department’s estimates when determining SEEK funding.
State Sen. David Osborne on Thursday questioned Besher’s actions, saying “The governor doesn’t have the ability to make money appropriate.” Republican Osborne said he has not yet looked at details of Besher’s actions, but cannot recall the language of the budget that empowered him. Lawmakers continue to debate whether to resume the current budget. He told reporters.
Meanwhile, there is an additional $26 million shortfall for funding to districts that should be paid if funds are available, state education officials told lawmakers this week. The education department is working with lawmakers on potential state support for items subject to fund availability, Fletcher said Thursday.
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