Proposed change in state funding for schools would not affect MH, most area schools

An Arkansas advisory committee has proposed changes to how the state distributes funds to school districts for building-related costs.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports the Advisory Committee on Public School Academic Facilities’  proposal calls for the state to use the highest 10-year enrollment figures and median income in a district to determine eligibility for state funding.

The report says the state’s current system puts districts that see a drop in enrollment at a disadvantage.

Mountain Home School District Superintendent Dr. Jake Long says the proposal would not have much of an affect on the Mountain Home district.

Listen:

right-click to download mp3

Flippin superintendent Kelvin Hudson says with no building projects on the table, the proposal won’t be a factor for their district either.

Listen:

right-click to download mp3

The committee also requested the state set aside $90 million for school construction costs. Arkansas has been contributing to school construction costs since 2004 after the state Supreme Court ruled the state’s public school system was inadequate and inequitable.

The Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation Commission has delayed action on the report until later this year.

WebReady^TM Powered by WireReady^® NSI