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Treasurer warns Amanda-Clearcreek board of six-figure losses under governor's school-funding simulations
Summary
The treasurer presented simulations of the governor's proposed Fair School Funding changes and warned the district could lose about $500,000 in the first year and roughly $1,000,000 in the second year unless base cost inputs are updated; trustees were urged to contact legislators.
At the Amanda-Clearcreek Local School District meeting, the treasurer spent an extended portion of the agenda reviewing simulations tied to the governor's proposed Fair School Funding Plan and the possible effects on the district if base cost inputs remain at fiscal year 2022 levels.
The treasurer said the simulations show a meaningful decline in the state share of school funding for many districts and presented district-level numbers that, as reported in the meeting, translate to an estimated loss of roughly $500,000 in the first year and about $1,000,000 in the second year if inputs are not updated. She told trustees those figures are derived from the simulation materials provided by OASBO (presented in the webinar she cited) and urged board members and community contacts to press legislators to account for updated base cost inputs.
The treasurer explained the mechanics: because the budget proposal leaves base cost inputs at fiscal year 2022 values, personnel-cost increases and other inflationary changes shift a larger share of the funding burden to local capacity, increasing the local share of funding. She argued that without updated inputs the district's local tax burden would rise and urged advocacy to the legislature.
During the presentation the treasurer also noted statewide effects in the simulations: many traditional districts would see their state share fall, while voucher, community/STEM and joint vocational schools were projected to receive increased funding under the proposal. The treasurer referenced the DeRolf Supreme Court matter from 1995 to highlight constitutional concerns about declining state shares.
Board members asked clarifying questions during the discussion; trustees expressed concern and agreed the district should track changes and maintain communication with legislators. The treasurer said the budget process timeline runs through April to June with a possible governor signature by June 30 and recommended vigilance through the legislative cycle.
What was said (selected)
"We would lose about a half $1,000,000 in the first year and a half 1000000 dollars in the second year," the treasurer said, quoting the simulation results presented in the meeting materials. The treasurer cautioned the numbers are dependent on legislative changes and the final budget.
Next steps
The treasurer will continue to circulate simulation materials to board members and provide updates in future finance reports so the board and community can assess whether local actions (levies or other adjustments) may be necessary.
