Board hears finance update: $280,000 in IDEA funds pending, state funding progress noted

Liberty Public Schools finance staff reported on July 22 that the district is awaiting about $280,000 in IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) federal reimbursements for fiscal year 2025. Administrators said most of FY25 IDEA funds have been received but about $280,000 remains in arrears because of federal timing differences and broader discussions at the federal level about withholdings. Staff said some federal dollars for ELL support, before-and-after-school programming and summer school have begun to be released. If federal withholdings persist or grow, officials said contingency planning for FY2027 would become necessary. Board discussion referenced state-level developments. The superintendent and staff said Governor Kehoe signed a measure the district described as “fully funding the formula” for now. Administrators credited state legislators, in particular reference to Senator Lincoln Hough and others, for work during the session. Staff also noted that a $3 million line item for the Success Ready Students Network was vetoed, and the district is watching whether DESE will identify alternate funding sources. District business staff also reminded the board that finance teams are closing FY25 reports with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and preparing for the annual audit; the audit and finance committee will meet with auditors later in the year. Why it matters: Federal and state funding flows affect program continuity for special education, English-language learners, enrichment programming and other services. Pending federal payments create short-term uncertainty in fund balances and potentially force local funding shifts if gaps persist. What the board decided: No immediate action was taken; staff will monitor federal distributions, continue closeout and audit work, and report back to the board if the outstanding funds become permanent shortfalls.