Reduced revenue could require Kansas to again lower aid to almost 300 local school districts by as much as $70 million. The state government has already reduced financial assistance by $215 per student since January.
Deputy education commissioner Dale Dennis said the state might not have enough money in its coffers to meet its legal and legislative obligations to school districts during the remainder of the 2009-2010 school year.
The state budget provides nearly $3 billion to public education.
The education budget was cut by $130 million in fiscal 2009, which ended June 30.
Property tax revenues are down because of a 1.7% decline in assessed value, according to Dennis, and the state government added 2,500 new students this fall to the spring enrollment of 450,000 students.
State tax revenues for the first three months are $67 million, or 5% below expectations.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Mark Parkinson said the governor is awaiting this week’s official revenue forecast before deciding if cuts to public education are warranted.
