School funding

Weathering the recession has become a major part of managing everything from household budgets to government spending. In Missouri, public schools have received most of the funding anticipated under the state's school-funding formula -- until this year. The prospects for funding in the next school year are cause for worry among administrators and school boards.

Among other factors affecting Missouri's spending plans, reliance on federal stimulus funds is a key consideration. The $23.9 billion state budget proposed by Gov. Jay Nixon for the fiscal year starting July 1 includes nearly $1.2 billion in stimulus funds that would in some cases require further action by Congress.

For the current 2009-2010 school year, Missouri districts have been informed they won't be receiving a $43 million midyear increase under the school-funding formula. And while state funding for the 2010-2011 school year would increase $18 million under the governor's recommendation, it would fall far short of the formula's $106 million increase. Pressure to meet spending needs in other areas is cited as the reason.

School districts face significant belt-tightening. Administrators and boards will be expected to make every effort to preserve academic excellence for classroom students under these difficult financial circumstances.