Superintendent outlines state budget changes: $147 per-student safety, $73 mental-health earmark and three-year averaging

The superintendent provided a high-level state-budget update at the Forest Hills Board of Education meeting on July 17, describing how forthcoming state allocations could affect district funding and planning.

The superintendent said the state budget includes an increase that matches district assumptions and highlighted changes in how certain funds will be allocated. Citing a split in the funding commonly referenced in the meeting as '31 AA' (transcript phrasing), the superintendent said the budget breaks out resources into safety and mental-health components: "$147 per student for safety and security items, and then... a mental health section that's $73 a student." The superintendent also said at-risk and ELL funding increased about 20 percent, free breakfast and lunch programs will continue, and the state intends to use a three-year average for enrollment in part of the funding formula rather than a single-year count.

Board members asked whether the new split would affect salaries and staffing. The superintendent said district impact statements are not yet available and acknowledged the changes could require shifting positions in coming years: district staffing decisions will depend on the detail in upcoming state and district impact reports. The superintendent also noted the district expects to provide a written budget update to the board and invited further questions.

The board was reminded of a 'welcome back' event on Aug. 20. No public comment was offered on the budget report during the meeting.