Funding for P-12 public education in Kentucky is taking center stage this month in Frankfort as House Republicans and Governor Beshear both presented education spending plans that seek to increase investment in schools across the Commonwealth.
House Bill 1, filed by Rep. Jason Petrie, the chair of the House A&R Committee, proposes to increase funding levels for several programs including:
- Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) funding per pupil is increased from the current $4,000 to $4,100 in FY 2023 and $4,200 in FY 2024.
- Funding for full day kindergarten.
- An increase in funding for pupil transportation, but not full funding.
- Funding for Family Resource and Youth Service Centers (FRYSCs), many of which support high quality out-of-school time programming, would be increased. The current per child rate for each center would increase from $183.86 to $220.
- An increase in funding of 19% for Career and Technical Education.
Governor Andy Beshear unveiled his spending priorities for public education in a news conference held on January 10 in Frankfort. Highlights of the Governor’s proposal include:
- Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) funding per pupil is increased from the current $4,000 to $4,300 in FY 2023 and $4,500 in FY 2024.
- In addition to funding for full day kindergarten, the Governor’s budget includes $172 million each year to fund universal preschool for all four-year-old children.
- The budget adds $175 million each year to fully fund school district costs for pupil transportation.
- The Governor included almost $6 million more each year to increase funding for Family Resource and Youth Service Centers.
- The Governor’s budget restores the $2.5 million annually for grants to local libraries, another group that provides high quality out-of-school time learning opportunities.
The Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance will continue to monitor events in Frankfort and continue to reach out to the Governor’s office as well as legislators from across the Commonwealth to talk about the important work of out-of-school time programs and professionals in Kentucky. To stay up to date, please be sure to visit the Legislative Research Commission.