With state funding to local school systems being reduced because of the shortfall in revenues, schools can transfer money from the capital improvement to the general fund through October 2011.
The Indiana Legislature has approved a bill that allows school systems to transfer between 5 and 10 percent from capital improvement funds to preserve and protect educational programs. The transfer can be 10 percent if there is no general wage and salary increase for the 2010-2011 school year.
Local school superintendents are pleased the Legislature has provided some flexibility when it comes to funding alternatives.
Ryan Snoddy, superintendent of the Northwestern School Corp., said the ability to transfer will help offset the shortfall in state revenues to the general fund.
Snoddy said the amount that will probably be recommended to the school board for transfer will make up less than 25 percent of the projected shortfall.
Northwestern’s funding from the state for general fund operations was reduced by approximately $450,000, he said.
“We could probably transfer up to 10 percent, but we can’t afford to go that high,” Snoddy said. “We will recommend to the board a transfer of 5 percent, which will amount to between $105,000 and $110,000.”
Snoddy said the allowed transfer would save one or two teaching positions.
“I’m thankful for the flexibility,” he said. “This has happened once or twice in the past.”
Snoddy said he agrees with the cap on the amount that can be transferred and the time limit.
“I understand the need to have those funds dedicated,” he said of the capital improvement fund. “We need to keep up our buildings and grounds.”
Superintendent John Magers with the Taylor School Corp., said the school system will wait until the end of the fiscal year on Dec. 31, and then make a decision on the transfer of funds.
“I would image we will transfer some funds,” he speculated. “It’s a good thing. We would be able to transfer 5 percent.”
Magers said state funding to Taylor schools was cut $443,500 and a 5 percent transfer would amount to an estimated $50,000.
“It’s always good to have local control,” he said. “This year we don’t plan to RIF [Reduction in Force] anyone. We’ve done a good job the past six years in getting our finances back to where they should be.”
Sen. Brandt Hershman, said he has not heard of a single school system that won’t transfer the funds.
“The transfer is for a temporary emergency,” he said. “No one expects it to be long term.”
Hershman said state officials hope the economy rebounds by 2011 and state revenues meet projections.
Rep. Ron Herrell said the transfer is to allow the schools to cover the shortfall, and an estimated $82 million statewide will be moved to the general fund.
“All the schools in my district will transfer funds,” he said.
Herrell expressed concerns that the state was cutting education funding at a time unemployment is high.
“I’m disappointed we’re still building roads around Kokomo through Major Moves and losing teachers,” he said. “Where is the net gain? Why would you encourage people to bypass your city?”
Herrell said the state has to decide whether it will properly fund public education and expects it to be a campaign issue leading into the 2011 budget session of the Legislature.
• Ken de la Bastide is the Kokomo Tribune enterprise editor. He can be reached at 765-454-8580 or via e-mail at ken.delabastide@kokomotribune.com
Local News
School districts could get some relief with funding
State will allow transfer of funds through October
- Local News
-
-
Remains may be grandmother of abducted girl
Noblesville police are trying to determine if the remains of a woman found Thursday along the Mississinewa River near Marion are those of missing Noblesville woman Dorothy Heard.
-
Students kick off Black History Month at IU Kokomo
“Hey, black child, be what you can be. Learn what you can learn. Do what you can do. And tomorrow, your nation will be what you want it to be.”
-
Council taking heat for proposal
The Miami County Council on Thursday got to hear from county employees who are disgruntled about proposed budget cuts that would reduce the county general fund by nearly $900,000.
-
County looks at health care options
With the city of Kokomo ending its relationship with Novia Health Care, Howard County officials are now discussing what move they will make.
-
KHS to implement new technology program
Starting next school year, the more than 500 freshmen enrolled at Kokomo High School will receive either a laptop computer or tablet device as part of a new technology program that school officials say will improve learning in the classroom.
-
Measles patient was at NFL event
East Coast fans who left the Super Bowl host city feeling good about Hoosier hospitality may have been exposed to something less welcome: The measles.
-
Outreach provides housing to the down-and-out
Dale Bliss tells the story of a man with no money, no job and two kids.
Without any way to pay for a hotel or rent an apartment, the man was living in a tent with his children at a reservoir near Kokomo. He told them it was a family camping trip.
-
Green tech lab opens in Kokomo
A California green technology company has opened a research and development lab in Kokomo and plans to hire as many as 35 people over the next few years, the business announced this week.
-
Main Street conference coming to Kokomo
Following up on its Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 Community of the Year award, Kokomo received another accolade this week.
-
Howard Co. jail reconfiguration a ‘short-term solution’
With the ever-increasing number of female prisoners at the Howard County jail, local officials are looking to implement a short-term solution instead of expanding the existing facility.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Remains may be grandmother of abducted girl
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
