Thursday, October 07, 1999
School chiefs want funding addressed
BY ANDREA TORTORA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
ERLANGER — An equitable funding system and additional money to implement any mandated programs such as all-day kindergarten are two of the issues Northern Kentucky school superintendents want the General Assembly to address in January.
As proposals for mandated collective bargaining, all-day kindergarten and a nominal increase in school funding are floated to the public, superintendents say they are con cerned about a continued push for more programs without additional state funds.
Budget projections for 2000-02 indicate a $65 million increase for education. Of that amount, $27 million would be for health care. Only a possible 1.4 percent of the total state budget would go toward state funding for districts.
The percentage of the state budget allocated for education has shrunk since the 1990 Kentucky Education Reform Act was implemented, in part to ensure that every school had equitable funds. Educators said they would like to see a return to 1990 funding levels.
“There's always a problem in trying to achieve equity that you may have created a disparity,” said Bryan Blavatt, Boone County superintendent.
Rep. Jon Draud, R-Crestview Hills, said the sentiment in the General Assembly is to continue to reduce taxes, which would mean even less revenue available for education.
“I think the (all-day) kindergarten request is unrealistic,” Dr. Draud said. “You're talking $80 million to imple ment, and 100 schools already have it. The request for funding probably won't get any consideration because of the money.”
The legislative platform created in conjunction with the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce was sent to every state representative and senator.
Lobbyists with the chamber and the Kentucky Association of School Administrators are already at work, talking to legislators about the legislative platform.
Legislative platform
• Funding. A modified funding program that would address needs within a school district. Allow schools to decide where to spend certain money. A uniform property assessment would help achieve equity. Recognize the needs of growth districts by providing upfront funding to help booming districts build new facilities.
• Motor vehicle tax. A change or reduction in the motor vehicle tax should be accompanied by alternative sources of revenue.
• Collective bargaining. The decision to bargain with employee unions should be left to local school districts. Superintendents and the chamber do not want to see any changes to the law, which allows school boards to determine how to spend taxpayer money. Gov. Paul Patton, however, supports a bill that would require state and local governments to bar gain with employees who choose to join a union.
• All-day kindergarten. If the state mandates all-day kindergarten, the program should be fully funded.
• Home schooling. The absence of regulations or assessments of home schools jeopardizes the education of students.
• Governance. State mandates should be limited to broad or general policy, allowing schools to deal with implementation. Clearer lines of authority must be established between schools and agencies that set education requirements, such as School to Work programs.
• Teacher certification. Superintendents and the chamber support efforts to train and attract better teachers. Any mandates to improve salaries should be fully funded.
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