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Former superintendent warns board about possible funding loss tied to immigration enforcement
Summary
Former superintendent Tom Townsend warned the school board that proposed mass deportation policies could reduce student counts and strain district funding, saying community leaders should prepare for the economic impact and urging the board to act.
Former Putnam County Superintendent Tom Townsend told the board he is concerned about federal and state rhetoric on mass deportation and its possible effect on local schools’ funding and students’ well‑being.
Townsend spoke during the public‑comment period and urged the board to consider the financial and human consequences if families leave the district. He said students generate funding through full‑time equivalent (FTE) counts and relayed an estimated per‑student revenue figure he had heard: "approximately, I don't know, dollars 7,000 per student," adding that he was sharing information he had been told and asking the board to correct him if that figure is inaccurate.
"There's enough confusion and mis‑messaging out there," Townsend said. "I just want to offer my voice ... I don't envy you guys right now." He described concerns from community members about absenteeism and broader economic effects if migrant families leave and urged the board to make its position known and to seek public feedback.
The board acknowledged Townsend's comments; the superintendent later said staff had confirmed current February FTE counts and that the district's finances were in good shape for the year. Townsend offered to assist the district further and asked that the board communicate with community leaders about potential impacts.
