TAYLORSVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Spencer County Public Schools board is trying to figure out how to address a $1.5 million budget deficit, but left a meeting Tuesday with murky solutions.

Superintendent Will Foster sent a letter to families last week laying out the budget issues. 

The letter told the community the district is $1.5 million in the hole for the 2025-26 school year. There was a budget miscalculation, and the district thought they had more money than they actually did.

Over the weekend, the community learned of Foster's plans to ask school board members to approve a one-year freeze on scheduled pay increases for district employees amid calls to consider other options. Foster said every option is on the table to reset the school budget.

He explained personnel accounts for a little more than 85% of the district’s overall budget, and said the district has already taken several steps to review and adjust budget items with the intent to complete a full budget reset.

He added that the district is rebidding things such as sanitation services, insurance, and mowing. In addition to proposals to reduce personnel costs, Foster said he has also included proposals to make cuts to central office staffing that total over $200,000 in reduced spending.

While the superintendent couldn't give a straight answer Tuesday on how much money is being saved by the proposed budget cuts and how many positions are at risk, the board did approve his proposed office reorganization.

As part of the rearranging, two people will be doing the work of three. As for boots on the ground and teachers in the classroom, the cuts aren't easy to predict.

Foster is recommending an increase in class size and the elimination of instructional coaches. But as the school board considers how to balance the books, they are on hold until lawmakers pass a budget. Spencer County is also dependent on Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) funding, which is decreasing.

This comes as the district also faces a $255,000 increase in utilities and insurance costs. 

The proposed salary freeze is off the table for now.

Previous Coverage:

Spencer County superintendent explains proposed pay freeze amid budget reset

Spencer County teachers’ pay raises at risk amid $1.5 million budget shortfall

Spencer County school leaders plan 'dramatic adjustments' for $1.5 million budget deficit

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