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Public commenters and staff debate federal funding risks and Title I positions
Summary
A union representative warned of potential harm if the U.S. Department of Education's programs are dismantled; a community speaker requested clearer budget breakdowns. District staff clarified that federal cuts would affect schools broadly and said the 96 positions referenced are school positions funded by federal grants.
During the public-comment portion of the meeting, speakers addressed the threat of federal education funding cuts and sought clearer district budget explanations.
James Woodhead, speaking for Kentucky 1-20 United AFT, warned about proposals to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and the local consequences for students and school employees. "School districts in every zip code will be at risk to lose funding, resources, and jobs to support students," Woodhead said, adding that "over 70% of Kentucky schools rely on federal funds for low income students, and 89% of Kentucky schools rely on federal funds for free student meals." He urged collective advocacy to protect federal support.
Heather Cherry, a community member, asked for clearer itemization of how federal grant dollars flow to schools after hearing a district presentation about potential federal cuts. She said preliminary remarks at a previous meeting had caused confusion about a figure of "96 teachers," and asked for transparent, itemized budget information. "It was hard to understand... that 96 teachers don't come out of an actual school," Cherry said; she asked the district to specify where federal funds are spent so the public can understand what would change.
District staff responded during the meeting. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Houston Barber clarified that the 96 positions discussed are school positions funded by Title I (federal) grants and that every school in the district would experience negative impacts if federal funding were lost. "There's not one school in our district that will not be impacted if we lose federal funding," Dr. Barber said. Superintendent Liggins and other staff noted there are still unknowns at the federal level and the district would continue to advocate for students and seek clarity.
No board action was taken; the remarks were taken under public comment and district staff provided clarifications on the record.
