KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo Public Schools will enter the new school year with a lot of question marks about their budget.
The shaky economy, federal cuts and a projected drop in enrollment are all factors according to finance director Laura Kayser.
“We are facing tremendous funding uncertainty. The 2025-26 state aid foundation amount will likely not be decided until after our fiscal year ends on June 30th.”
Right now the state budget is still in play.
The Democratically-controlled state Senate has approved their plan. Majority Republicans in the House have only been able to pass a stop gap proposal that would defund diversity, equity and inclusion programs and eliminate free breakfasts and lunches and only fund essential services if a final budget can’t be reached in the next 3 months.
“They make up 87% of the district revenues therefore we are very dependent on the state aid budget process.”
The Kalamazoo Public Schools board has scheduled a special meeting for tonight at 6:45 for a public hearing on the budget, and a regular meeting at 7 p.m. to approve their $202 million spending plan, which must be in Lansing in a week.
A copy of the full budget proposal can be viewed during business hours at the administration building.
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