The U.S. Education Department has announced it has put $6.2 billion in federal grants to state education agencies on hold that were appropriated by Congress. Kansas’ share of the federal spending reductions across all programs is over $45 million. However, media is not reporting that schools began the last year with $1.3 billion in operating cash reserves that largely represent state and local taxes provided in prior years that were not spent.
Two dozen states have filed suit to block the potential federal budget cuts. Kansas is not among them.
In response to the cuts, Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Commissioner Randy Watson told the Johnson County Post:
“Normally we would receive notice by July 1 that these funds are being awarded for the coming school year. Now, the funding for these programs remains uncertain as we wait for the U.S. Department of Education’s review of these programs.”
The Post surveyed the county’s six districts, and got reactions to the reductions:
Blue Valley: $342,000 federal grant, $76 million in carryover cash reserves
“Blue Valley remains committed to supporting all students and will manage the impact of these reductions through careful budgeting and thoughtful resource allocation. High-quality support for students will continue in spite of this freeze in funding”, the district said in a statement.
De Soto: $125,715
Spokesman Alvie Carter told the paper his district was less impacted by any in Johnson County.
Gardner-Edgerton: $131,154
“We are not planning any sort of reduction whatsoever in services or staffing,” according to Superintendent Brian Huff.
Olathe: More than $1 million
“These cuts primarily affect programs that support our most at-risk populations, including low-income students, English language learners, and students with disabilities,” the district said in a statement.
Shawnee Mission: Nearly $1 million
“These are not funds that were designated for some future, potential expense. We have been planning and making commitments for the use of these funds for months, including almost $300,000 in contracts for staff salaries and benefits”, according to Superintendent Michael Schumacher.
Spring Hill: $175,000
Superintendent Link Luttrell told a recent school board meeting: “I have had some parents reach out and rightfully so, those funds do impact schools and groups depending on the students served. Every dollar matters but the overall impact on SHSD is very, very minimal compared to what some of the other districts are experiencing.”
Although the hold on federal grants reflect significant amounts, analysis by the Kansas Policy Institute, owners of The Sentinel, show each district profiled by the Post has more than adequate operating cash reserves that can be tapped. The amounts listed in the All Other column below range from $6.7 million in Spring Hill to more than $84 million at Shawnee Mission. Operating cash reserves are separate from reserves held for capital outlay and debt service, and mostly represent state and local taxes provided in prior years that were not spent.
