District leaders warn recent state funding cuts will shift mentor, PD and safe-schools costs to local budget

District administrators told the Geary County Schools Board of Education that recent legislative actions have reduced or eliminated state reimbursements for multiple programs the district previously received. Superintendent-level staff listed reimbursements that will no longer come to the district or will be reduced: mentor teacher reimbursement, national board certification reimbursement, safe-and-secure schools reimbursement, and professional development reimbursement.

Administrators said the district will need to absorb those costs in the general fund for the 2025–26 school year unless state allocations change. They also identified several known and estimated cost increases the district must plan for: a 7.4% increase in the district's insurance costs and planning for a 10% increase in gas and electric. Staff said the district will determine annual water costs for a new sprinkler system once a final configuration is chosen.

The district is continuing LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training for teachers; administrators said some LETRS costs were funded with federal ESSER dollars previously but that reimbursement through the state is uncertain. Staff said they do not yet know whether any state reimbursement for LETRS will be available after July.

Board members and administrators discussed that the State Board and legislature have shifted funding decisions and that mandated work (for example, safe schools practices and teacher mentoring) remains required even as funding decreases. Administrators said they are reviewing budgets and may need to make prioritization decisions and reduce or reallocate spending to meet obligations.

Ending: The board was briefed on the need to balance the general fund and prioritize required work for the coming year; district staff said they will return with budget planning details.