LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Education is estimating a $40 million shortfall for the Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) fund this school year. The program provides funds to Kentucky’s 171 public school districts.
What You Need To Know
- The Kentucky Department of Education is estimating a $40 million shortfall for the SEEK program
- The program helps schools receive a base-per-pupil allocation
- State law requires the Department of Education to complete final SEEK calculations by March 1 each year
- Overall SEEK funding is $2.7 billion this year
The SEEK program uses a formula to help schools receive a base-per-pupil funding allocation, funding for transportation costs, free or reduced lunch and English language assistance.
Kentucky Student Voice Team member Chase Colvin said he has seen schools struggle.
"I feel like I go to a school with a bunch of privilege, a district with a lot of resources and I feel very lucky," said Colvin, a junior at duPont Manual High School in Louisville. "But once I have had conversations with other students statewide through programs like the YMCA, I’ve recognized that is not across the board everywhere."
Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher released a statement Tuesday evening, saying in part, "KDE is currently tracking an estimated SEEK shortfall of $12 million for funding to public school districts provided in Kentucky statutes. KDE estimates an additional shortfall of $28 million for funding to public school districts that is specifically conditioned on the availability of funds.”
Although the student group said the formula used to determine the amount of funding each district receives is outdated, the money is necessary.
"Many of us are going without adequate technology and outdated textbooks," Colvin said.
According to the KDE, there have been four SEEK shortfalls from fiscal year 2010 to fiscal year 2024. However, last fiscal year, there was a $156.3 million surplus in SEEK appropriations.
But that doesn’t mean school districts get the extra money to make up for the shortfalls in other years.
The department said when they have more funding than they need to make all payments to public school districts required by the SEEK formula, the commonwealth’s budget directs where excess funding is transferred. The leftover $156.3 million was transferred to the state general fund as required by the legislature.
Last week, the student group filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming they weren't provided an adequate and equitable public education.
"We want to help by making sure every school, not just the wealthy ones in the wealthy districts, have the resources to sustain that, but also the poorer districts that need that allocation of funding,” Colvin said.
The student group will host hearings around the state asking for community input.
The KDE said the shortfall is still an estimate. State law requires KDE to complete final SEEK calculations by March 1 each year.
The department said it will provide information to school districts regarding the impact once calculations are complete. Overall SEEK program funding is $2.7 billion this year.