County Supervisors debate funding distribution for schools amid federal shortfall

In a recent meeting of the Graham County Board of Supervisors, significant discussions centered around the distribution of funds from the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, which has faced a notable reduction in federal funding this year. The board was informed that the SRS funding for local schools has dropped dramatically from approximately $425,000 last year to just $80,000 this year, a situation that has not occurred since 2016.

The SRS program is designed to provide financial support to schools in rural areas, with funds allocated based on factors such as forest acreage and student population. Historically, the board has utilized various methodologies to determine how these funds are distributed among schools. This year, four different distribution methods were proposed, ranging from a complete focus on acreage to a mix of acreage and population metrics.

The board members expressed concern over the implications of the funding cuts, particularly for schools like Bonita, which may face significant budgetary challenges. Supervisor discussions highlighted the difficulty of choosing a distribution method that would not unfairly disadvantage other schools while attempting to support those in greater need. The board acknowledged that while Bonita has a larger forest acreage, which could benefit from certain distribution methods, other schools like Safford and Thatcher would see substantial reductions in their funding.

The board has the flexibility to adjust the distribution method annually, allowing for potential changes in response to future funding scenarios. This adaptability is crucial as the board navigates the current financial landscape and seeks to balance the needs of all schools within the county.

As the meeting concluded, the board was tasked with making a decision on the distribution method for this year’s funds, with the understanding that the chosen approach could be revisited in subsequent years. The outcome of this decision will have immediate implications for local schools, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions in rural areas amid fluctuating federal support.