STATE CUTS $16 MILLION FROM SCHOOL AID FORMULA - Funding Cut Moving Away From Calhoun School Solution

(10/08/2015)
While Calhoun school officials are requesting the state to increase the school funding formula, with Calhoun in dire financial straights, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has cut the state's School Aid Formula by one percent, amounting to $16 million state wide.

Deeper cuts have been announced for other agencies.

While Calhoun Schools would have a loss only $73,287, the cuts are moving away from a solution for Calhoun Schools with a $1.8 million deficit.

Governor Tomblin orderied the budget cuts because of a significant decrease in state revenues mainly caused by decreased coal production and record low prices for natural gas.

Tomblin's order requires a four percent cut in the current state budget for most state agencies along with the one percent cut in school aid.

Information from the state Department of Education shows the cuts range from $1.56 million in Kanawha County to $62,600 in Gilmer County.

Officials said a significant general revenue source has been impaired and they are concerned it may be a long-term impairment.

Higher education will be required to shoulder a four percent cut.