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Kent Local officials warn proposed House carryover cap could strip millions from district
Summary
Board leaders and finance staff told the Kent Local Board of Education that a House budget provision limiting districts to a 30% general‑fund carryover could cost the district an estimated $7.4 million next year and undermine long‑term planning, prompting plans to lobby legislators and convene stakeholder meetings.
Unidentified Speaker 5, the district superintendent (name not specified in the record), told the Kent Local Board of Education on April 21 that a House budget provision imposing a 30% cap on general‑fund carryover would force districts to spend reserves and create “economic instability” for schools.
“This is a gimmick,” the superintendent said, arguing the measure would provide only one‑year property‑tax relief to homeowners while eliminating districts’ ability to hold a multi‑year rainy‑day fund. He estimated the district could lose $7,409,377 in property‑tax revenue that would not be collected next year if the provision went into effect. “It will encourage wasteful spending,” he said, and “we will no longer give long‑term teacher contracts.”
Unidentified Speaker 3, who presented the monthly financial report, told the board the district’s investments include…
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