Governor Fletcher seeks input on where to allocate funding

Frankfort, KY:    Governor Ernie Fletcher met with the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) to seek recommendations on where to allocate $10 million in additional funding for FY 2005 to Kentucky school districts.  The Governor also asked the 11 member Board to recommend the best way to implement a flexible funding approach to school districts.

"I believe it is imperative for me to communicate with the Kentucky Board of Education to make informed decisions on these matters,” said Governor Fletcher.  "The additional funding will be available due to revenue projections we are making, but these funds will be non-recurring.  In addition, I am especially pleased to be able to offer a flexible funding concept to our school superintendents.  This is an issue that they have consistently asked for over many years.”

The Governor asked that the Kentucky Board of Education recommend which education grant programs should be included within this program.  (Program list attached.)  The Governor asked that the Board of Education and Commissioner Gene Wilhoit recommend a process by which school districts would make an election to for flexibility.  Program adjustments would be limited to a maximum of 20 percent. 

"This is a bold, unprecedented step.  We trust local decision-makers when it comes to our students,” said Education Cabinet Secretary Virginia Fox.  "With this proposal, we ask that the state Board of Education promulgate policies of flexible funding, while insuring that programs will not be eliminated.”

Education Programs
Extended School Services
Preschool
Professional/Staff Development
Safe Schools
Textbooks (K-8)
Commonwealth School Improvement Fund
Family Resource and Youth Services Center (FRYSC's)
Technology (KETS)
Audits, Local School District
Community Education
Child Assault Program
Dropout Prevention
Elementary Grades Arts & Humanities Initiative
Every 1 Reads
Early Reading Incentive Grant/Read to Achieve
Gifted and Talented
Jobs for Kentucky's Graduates (JAG)
Management Assistance Program
Middle School Academic Achievement Center
Professional Growth & Leadership Funds
Teacher Academies
Teacher Recruitment and Retention
Virtual Learning
Writing Program