School Funding Formula
Definition
The complex system determining how much state and local money each school district receives, based on factors like enrollment, student needs (poverty, special education, English learners), and local property wealth. Kentucky’s formula is called SEEK (Support Education Excellence in Kentucky). Districts with lower property wealth receive more state aid to equalize funding, while wealthier districts rely more on local property taxes.
Louisville Context
JCPS is funded mainly by state SEEK funding and local property taxes, with a smaller share from federal sources. Kentucky’s education funding has not kept pace with inflation or student needs. JCPS faces a structural funding shortfall, forcing program cuts and deferred maintenance. Louisville’s mayor has no direct control over education funding but can advocate for increased state investment.
Why It Matters
Inadequate education funding directly harms students through larger class sizes, fewer programs, outdated materials, and crumbling facilities. Kentucky’s education funding per student lags many other states. Until the state increases education investment, JCPS will struggle to provide the resources all students deserve.
My Proposal
I will use my platform to advocate loudly for increased state education funding and oppose any state policies that cut education investment. I’ll maximize city support for education within my $1.13 billion budget through expanded after-school programs, summer learning, library services, and partnerships with JCPS to share facilities and reduce costs.