Education Funding | Video

Kristin Clouston | 12/11/2012

If the legislature approves, the state could be provide more than half a billion dollars to K-12 education this session. The state already provides $27.7 million dollars in aid but that could change to $549.2. Kirsten Baesler, the State Superintendent-elect says she`s grateful the Governor is recommending this funding plan.

For years, the state`s school districts have depended on property taxes as a main source of funding. But now, the Governor is asking for an additional $372 million in property tax relief. Baesler says that would mean lower taxes for just about all of us.

"Currently a school district has a cap of 110 mils, and through the state funding more of the cost to educate each child we can reduce that local tax levy approximately 60 mils for most of our school districts."

Fifty-three million dollars would go towards projected enrollment growth, and $17 million would be used as rapid enrollment grants.

"There`s some money set aside for those schools, that do qualify for the rapidly growing school districts. By a percentage wise there is money set aside. Exactly which schools that might be in the percentile and when that might be determined will need to be figured out as we work through the session."

An additional $73 million would go towards an increase in per student payment. Baesler says that would help give kids a proper and equal education, no matter what district they live in.

Baesler says she`s also happy to additional money being set aside for the state`s pre-kindergarten program and more going towards educating, reviewing and mentoring teachers.

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