State Revenue Up Again – School’s Optimistic

There could be reason for cautious optimism for funding for Idaho public schools this coming year.  The Times News reports today that a report from the Idaho Division of Financial Management shows state revenues were up again in April, $13-million dollars more than projections.  That could leave fiscal 2011 revenues an estimated $74-million dollars over original forecasts.  The Idaho legislature passed a law in the most recent session that would give schools as much as $50-million dollars to divide among them if the actual revenue outperforms projects through June 30^th.  School Superintendent Tom Luna indicated in an email to school districts last Friday that it is still too soon to know for sure but he is cautiously optimistic.  The additional discretionary funding would allow each school district to spend the money where it is needed most.  That could be for school operations, expenses or teacher salaries.