DESE seeks $820 million budget hike for 2004-05 year

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is requesting a 18 percent increase in its budget for the 2004-05 school year.

The State Board of Education, DESE's governing authority, on Thursday approved a $5.37 billion budget request for the fiscal year beginning July 1. That amount would be $820.2 million more than the Missouri Legislature approved for the department for the current fiscal year.

The department's recommendation will be forwarded to Gov. Bob Holden, who will consider it when crafting the proposed state budget he will present to lawmakers in January.

Given that the state is facing a budget shortfall of up to $1 billion next year just to maintain state spending at current levels, the massive increase DESE is seeking may not be financially or politically feasible.

Education Commissioner Dr. Kent King said the budget request highlights the difference between where state funding for public schools is and where it ought to be.

"We recognize the harsh reality of the state's budget situation, but we believe it is important for educators, lawmakers and the public to understand the impact of recent budget cuts on our public school system and how quickly we are losing ground in the effort to maintain an equitable funding formula," he said.