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School-choice enrollment shifts could cost Fayette County nearly $3 million, board told
Summary
A board presenter said state FTE figures imply roughly $5,435.62 per FTE; multiplying that by roughly 502 students who left for nonpublic options produced an illustrative estimate near $3 million lost to the county for fiscal year 2027.
At the July 14 meeting, a school-choice update presented enrollment and nonpublic-school participation that, the presenter said, translate into substantial county funding losses if current trends continue.
"$5,435.62 — that's FTE for students this year," the presenter, introduced as Patrick (S10), told the board, noting that figure came from state information. Using an illustrative count of about 502 students shifting to nonpublic or homeschool options, he said, "That's almost $3,000,000." Patrick framed the calculation as an example of the fiscal stakes and urged the board to consider both the financial and educational impacts of student transfers.
The presenter listed local nonpublic schools that enroll Fayette County students and said kindergarten and primary grades account for a large share of transfers into nonpublic schools. He also noted the district is tracking several categories, including individualized instruction ("A 101s" for some homeschool/HOPE placements) and other nonpublic placements, and that staffing and service costs (special education, busing) are affected when students leave the district.
Board members asked clarifying questions about how the state figures translate into county budgeting and about staff impacts; staff noted losing 500 students could translate to dozens of teaching positions lost and wider personnel effects. The presenter and staff said they would continue refining numbers and provide additional detail.
