CUTS TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS?

Subsidized lunches and other reimbursements to private schools are among the potential casualties under Gov. John Bel Edwards’ current budget proposal, State Superintendent of Education John White said during hearings last month.

Fully aware of the potential cost to his own system, the spiritual shepherd of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is asking for prayers as politicos work toward building a budget. He made clear, however, that while the schools are important, there are other priorities in play as well, for which he wishes to see a better outcome.

“We are mindful of the challenges that our state of Louisiana faces given a looming $1 billion deficit,” said Bishop Shelton Fabre. “Therefore, we also understand that the budget the governor has offered is necessarily based on the funds that will remain available to the state for the coming FY ’18-’19. However, it is a proposal that raises grave concerns, specifically within the areas of assistance to non-public education, healthcare, substance abuse, mental health, and other programs that affect those who are vulnerable and in need. We pray that a resolution can be reached by those in power which is mindful of the needs of so many and the great services that non-profit providers provide, including our Catholic schools and Catholic charities agencies throughout the state.”

The changes in education spending White analyzed would save $20 million, White said, noting that the state has already reduced reimbursements over the last three years to private schools for supplying data and reports on attendance, safety, teacher certification and other education-related matters. He said the new budget would drop them entirely.

Edwards proposed roughly $1 billion in spending cuts, especially in higher education and health care, as he waits to see whether he and the Legislature can resolve a projected shortfall in state revenue.

Edwards said he did not want to see most of the cuts take effect, but that he was required to propose a budget that would match current spending projections. Edwards also said on Monday that public K-12 education would basically be spared cuts.

White said that Edwards’ budget would increase the Minimum Foundation Program >; the financial aid that Louisiana provides local public-school districts per student, by nearly $2.5 million. White explained, however, that this is merely “a drop in the bucket” in terms of what is needed and does not account for any growth in students.

Given that some growth in students attending Louisiana schools is expected, the $2.5 million increase would still likely result in an overall decrease in funding per student for school districts.

White also reported that funding for the LA4 program, Louisiana’s largest pre-kinder-garten program, will remain consistent with the proposed budget.

White made his comments at a meeting of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Administration and Finance Committee.

Like the governor, White also contended that the budget was “far from anything final.”

Edwards has been talking to Republican leaders about possible revenue-raising measures and will call a special session of the Legislature in February if it looks like he and the lawmakers could reach an agreement.

If there is no special session, the Legislature would have to decide on what cuts to make in a regular session beginning in March. Any cuts would not take effect before July, when the state’s fiscal year begins. The Legislature also could call a special session in June in a last-ditch effort to raise revenue and reduce the need for cuts.

Senior Staff Writer John De-Santis contributed to this report

‘Edwards said he did not want to see most of the cuts take effect

Under Gov. John Bel Edwards’ current budget proposal, subsidized lunches and other reimbursements to private schools are among the things potentially on the chopping block. Bishop Shelton Fabre said he is aware of the situation, adding that he is “praying that a resolution can be reached by those in power which is mindful of the needs of so many.”

CASEY GISCLAIR I THE TIMES