The new school year has begun in most Kentucky counties, but districts are struggling with the effects of federal funding uncertainty on top of reduced state-level support. Schools depend on this funding to hire food service workers, custodians, teachers, and counselors, as well as to upgrade buses and buildings.
With federal COVID relief money gone and funding decisions hanging in the balance for months, schools face growing challenges. Boone County Education Association president Kelly Read explained that uncertainty over funds delays plans like upgrading technology or replacing bus fleets, creating confusion and stalling progress.
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“When you make a promise, you need to fulfill that promise,” he said. “When you make a promise to communities, and really, when you make a promise to students, who are the most vulnerable.”
According to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, 14 Kentucky school districts still have $38 million in unspent or unreimbursed federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds. In June, the Trump administration froze $87 million in Department of Education grants for Kentucky schools but later reversed the decision and released the funds.
Even if the cuts don’t directly affect classrooms, Kentucky Education Association vice president Jessica Hiler noted that communities still face economic setbacks since public schools are among the largest employers in many counties.
“So the districts are going to have to go back to their budgets, review everything they’ve already planned to spend for the year, and make some decisions and set their priorities,” she said.
Meanwhile, the state continues to face a teacher shortage and retention issues. Last school year, Kentucky teachers earned nearly $14,000 less on average than in 2008 when adjusted for inflation—a nearly 20% decline.
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