“Kentucky Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher Issues Urgent Alert: $12 Million SEEK Funding Shortfall Threatens Schools” – NKyTribune

By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has flagged a potential funding gap for the Supporting Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) program for the 2024-2025 school year. As per their recent analysis, they anticipate a $12 million shortfall in mandatory funding for public school districts.

Furthermore, there’s a predicted shortfall of $28 million for funding contingent on available resources. Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher highlighted this issue in a memo, emphasizing the importance of these funds for schools across the state.

SEEK funding is essential as it allocates state funds based on a formula that considers the number of students, transportation needs, and special services like special education and food assistance. This system supports all 171 public school districts in Kentucky.

Fletcher pointed out that shortfalls in SEEK funding are not uncommon. Since 2010, there have been four instances of funding gaps. However, in certain years, the state budget has surpassed the expected demand. For example, there was a $231,000 surplus in 2021 and a significant $156.3 million surplus last year. When there is excess funding, it typically gets redirected to the state’s general fund.

The current shortfall estimates are not final and may change as KDE works toward completing their calculations. State law requires these final calculations to be completed by March 1 each year. Once finalized, KDE will communicate the specific impacts to each district.

Fletcher noted that while the shortfall is significant, it represents a small fraction — 1.43 percent — of the total SEEK funding of $2.7 billion. The KDE is currently collaborating with state budget officials and lawmakers to find solutions to this issue, aiming to lessen any adverse effects on public education in Kentucky.