The State of State Funding in KY

One of our most frequently asked questions is: How do we need more funding when we are spending millions on construction projects? We want to provide some clarity on this important issue.

In short... school facilities and school operations have completely separate funding systems.

In Bullitt County, 15 cents of the 75.1 cent tax rate goes into the restricted fund pot, and a portion of that money is matched by the state. The rest of that tax revenue (60.1 cents) goes into the general fund for operational purposes. We want to thank our legislators for this funding structure that is allowing us to address facility deficiencies. If it weren’t for this setup, we would be in much worse shape...

All of our construction projects are being funded with "restricted fund" money. This means that we are not taking any money away from what we have available to use for operational or programming purposes. This work not only includes our athletic facility upgrades (which were in dire need as bleacher systems and press boxes at North and Central were to the point of being condemned, so we had to do something before someone got physically hurt at one of our events), but it also includes the construction of the new Old Mill Elementary; major renovations at Bernheim Middle; combining the former OMES building with Bullitt East; planned renovations to classrooms and the auditorium at Bullitt Central; planned renovations to the cafeteria, classrooms, and common areas at North Bullitt; and more!

We realize that it may appear that we are spending money on construction that could go to other things, but that is simply not the case. The money that is being spent on construction is money that MUST be spent on construction.

The lack of state funding for local school districts in Kentucky is causing a crisis in public education throughout our state. In the video below, Dr. Bacon provides information about the gap that exists between what wealthy school districts are able to spend per student compared to what poorer districts can manage. We urgently need legislative action to bridge the funding gaps that exist so we can ensure a quality education for every Kentucky student!

In this clip, Dr. Bacon points out the fact that as funding received from the state has decreased, districts have had no choice but to increase local property tax rates to bridge the gap. However, with our state surplus at an all time high, it's time to reverse the alarming shift we've seen in state versus local spending over the last 15 years and take some of the burden off local taxpayers.

In this clip, Dr. Bacon shares how state mandates continue to stress already strained resources. Districts are required to purchase certain programs and implement state requirements, but receive no dedicated funding for doing so. This results in difficult choices, hindering program development, limiting resources, and preventing personnel increases at the classroom level. Under the weight of numerous unfunded state mandates, it's time to advocate for adequate funding to meet these obligations.

In this clip, Dr. Bacon shares that state transportation funding has also been an issue for BCPS since 2008. Kentucky law requires that school district transportation be fully reimbursed of actual transportation costs; however, we are currently only 69% funded. This lack of funding has caused significant stress on our transportation operations and has also impacted our ability to hire safety monitors and raise salaries to competitive wages when compared to other logistics jobs in our local community. It’s time to address the longstanding issue of inadequate state transportation funding since 2008.