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Committee amends SEEK reporting and reduces formula allocation for virtual schools in Senate Bill 6
Summary
Senate Bill 6, amended by the committee substitute, requires broader reporting of K-12 expenses to include fringe benefits, allows an English-language-add-on in SEEK for up to four years, and reduces the SEEK allocation for virtual schools by 50%; the committee reported the measure favorably (16-0-3 pass votes).
The House Appropriations and Revenue Committee on March 13, 2025, reported Senate Bill 6 as amended by PHS 1. The committee substitute modifies how Kentucky reports K-12 education spending and adjusts SEEK (Support Education Excellence in Kentucky) formula components.
On the record the committee substitute requires that reported education expenditures account for fringe costs that other states include in their reporting. The substitute also addresses English-language learner (ELL) funding by allowing an add-on for up to four years for individual students. Separately, the substitute reduces SEEK allocation for students enrolled in virtual schools by 50%, reflecting the committee's view that virtual schools do not incur the same brick-and-mortar expenses.
Representative Bojanowski asked whether the SEEK limitation for virtual schools would preclude districts from entering contracts for other funding streams (Title I, local, federal) and was told the change applies specifically to SEEK only. Committee discussion separated the reporting requirement (fringe inclusion) from formula modification; the sponsor clarified they are distinct items.
After adoption of PHS 1, the committee called the roll. Chair Jeff Petrie announced that Senate Bill 6 "is admitted by PHS 1. Have received 16 yes votes, 0 no votes, and 3 pass votes will be reported with favorable expression." The transcript does not record additional implementation timelines or a fiscal table quantifying the SEEK reduction's dollar impact.
The committee's action moves the bill to the House floor for further consideration.
