BY LARRY JAMES
SUPERINTENDENT
MARTIN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
At a time when education shapes the future, Martin County School District emerges as a pivotal force in advocating for an increase in state SEEK (Support Education Excellence in Kentucky) funding. Driven by the insights from the “Back on Track” report, this campaign transcends a mere request for funds; it represents a battle for equity, excellence and the future of Kentucky’s students.
The past 15 years have seen the value of SEEK funding diminished by inflation’s relentless march. In 2008, the funding per student stood at $3,822, inching up to just $4,100 in 2023. When adjusted for inflation, the actual need is around $5,400 per student.
Martin County School District has experienced loss of families due to the elimination of the coal industry in our area and with that the decline in student population. Maintaining aging buildings and facing the increases in costs associated with those processes will be unsustainable. Maintaining annual adjustments in staff salaries also cannot be sustained. The numbers speak for themselves. Student loss from FY 19 to current has had negative impacts on the district SEEK monies by $840,000. That is using the $4,200 per student currently provided. However, factoring in the above adjusted amount for inflation, that number rises to $1,080,000.
The district cannot “tax” its way out of this shortfall in funding to keep our district at a level that allows us to thrive and meet our goals of educating our children. We need action from the state to help to address this funding gap.
Underfunding by the state has unfairly placed the financial burden on local districts. State funding for essential services like transportation is only 69%, far below the required 100%.
An example is our aging bus fleet. We are replacing buses as we can, but the funds needed to continue that process are shrinking, and at some point our plans of replacing two buses every two years will have to be lengthened or reduced. At that point, we will be relying on grants if those are available.
Understanding the magnitude of this challenge, Martin County School District proposes a gradual enhancement of SEEK funding over a 2 to 4-year timeframe. This approach is not merely about financial readjustment; it’s about aligning Kentucky’s priorities with the welfare of its future citizens.
The educators and staff, crucial to Kentucky’s education system, are facing a significant crisis. Their salaries are about 25% less compared to other professions requiring similar qualifications.
Martin County School District is in rural Eastern Kentucky, which has seen limited economic development. The only enticement for staffing will be the form of a wage base that will attract staff to move here and live. We cannot compete with Western districts due to our inability to increase salaries to a level that would allow teachers and staff to give us a chance. Increased SEEK funding is imperative to adequately compensate, recruit and retain quality educators.
This campaign goes beyond financial figures; it’s about honoring a constitutional pledge. As mandated by the Kentucky Constitution and the 1989 Rose v. Council for Better Education decision, every child in Kentucky is entitled to an equitable and adequate education – a duty that cannot be sidelined.
As the superintendent of Maritn County School District, I am acutely aware of the challenges our district faces due to the current state of SEEK funding. The gap between what is needed and what is provided has widened significantly over the years, impacting not only our ability to effectively educate our students but also to fairly compensate our dedicated educators. This isn’t just a budgetary issue; it’s a matter of fulfilling our promise to provide every child in Kentucky with the high-quality education they deserve. Along with districts across the state of Kentucky we urge our legislators to recognize and act upon this critical need. Together we can ensure that our schools are equipped to offer the best possible learning environment for our future leaders.