Statement on SEEK Funding Shortfall

While the recent school funding shortfall is disappointing, it pales in comparison to the years of unconstitutional underinvestment that have left our public schools struggling without the resources needed to provide a quality and equitable education to all Kentucky students.

Since the 1990s, base funding of education by the state has declined by approximately 25% when adjusted for inflation, and the state share of total education costs has fallen dramatically–from 75% to just 50%.

Our outdated funding formula leaves too many low-income districts struggling with less while wealthier districts have enough local resources to get by. The disparities, which narrowed after Rose, have now grown to levels deemed unconstitutional by the Kentucky Supreme Court.

We can see the unfairness up close when we compare notes with our friends from different districts. Many of us struggle with inadequate technology and outdated textbooks, while others have an overflow of resources. Some of our schools even resort to online classes due to the shortage of available, qualified educators or settle for instruction from teachers without appropriate qualifications. 

That’s what happens when you rank 45th in the nation in average teacher starting pay with huge inconsistencies between wealthier and poorer districts.