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EKU asks lawmakers to tie Model Lab School appropriation to per-pupil counts
Summary
Eastern Kentucky University representatives told the interim committee the Model Lab School's flat $4.6 million appropriation has not kept pace with enrollment growth; EKU asked lawmakers to shift toward a per-pupil allocation and account for cost-of-living increases.
Eastern Kentucky University representatives told the Budget Review Subcommittee on Education on Sept. 17 that the Commonwealth's Model Lab School needs a change in how the legislature calculates its state support.
John Williamson, dean of P—2 programs and superintendent of Model Lab School, said the school now educates roughly 758 students from nine districts but receives a flat annual appropriation of about $4.6 million established in 2021. "That money doesn't go as far," Williamson said, noting the per-pupil allotment fell from about $7,500 to roughly $6,000 as enrollment rose.
Williamson described the Lab as a P—2 public school that trains pre-service teachers and serves as a demonstration site for instructional practice, and he stressed it operates without access to federal Title funds such as Title I or school lunch reimbursements and cannot levy local taxes. "We do not receive SEEK dollars or Title program dollars," he said, and EKU supplements its budget with tuition paid by parents and other sources.
EKU requested that the committee consider tying the Model Lab appropriation to a per-pupil formula and to factor cost-of-living adjustments into the appropriation. The university also noted program outcomes: Model Lab reports high student performance metrics (top state ratings in some grades) and a college-readiness rate of about 96.4 percent.
Lawmakers asked about access and affordability. Sen. McDaniel and Rep. Klein pressed EKU on tuition and demographic composition; Williamson said about 3 percent of students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch and that roughly 20 percent of students have at least one parent employed at EKU. "There is some financial aid, but it's minimal," Williamson said, adding that admission is open enrollment on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity.
The committee did not take action. Staff requested follow-up details on per-pupil math and budget scenarios so lawmakers can assess the fiscal implications before the next budget cycle.
