EKB News

With H1N1 being widespread in Kentucky and the state continuing to experience greater than normal absenteeism due to flu-like activity both from students and faculty, several county school systems shut down schools this past week in an effort to maybe curb the problem. A major concern for the health and well-being of students left superintendents with the thought that, although it might affect school funding, it was much more important to care for the welfare of students. Senate President David Williams pre-filed a proposal on Friday that would keep flu outbreaks from affecting school district funding, and his proposal is expected to be fast-tracked in the opening days of the upcoming legislative session set to begin January 5th. The bulk of funding for school districts is received through the Support Education Excellence in Kentucky funding formula, commonly known as SEEK funding. Under the formula, if too many kids are absent due to influenza or other illnesses, the district's funding is lowered the following year. Williams' proposal would change the way Kentucky determines how much state money goes to local school districts. Now, funding is based largely on average daily attendance, but Williams' plan would allow funding to be based on average daily attendance rates from previous years.