Senate Education Committee reviews adequacy matrix; foundation funding up about $79.4 million

The Senate Education Committee met for its annual adequacy review, where Julie Holt of the Bureau of Legislative Research walked members through updates to the state funding matrix and related categorical programs.

Holt said staffing levels in the matrix remained largely unchanged but salary and benefit lines rose: the teacher salary-and-benefits line was set at $71,500, and the per‑pupil foundation amount moved from $71.32 this year to $72.82 next year. With adjustments, she said the matrix foundation funding increased about $79,400,000 over fiscal year 2022; categorical and additional funding lines each rose about $3,600,000.

The presentation noted a governor's April 2021 letter that increased the teacher salary equalization program and renamed the enhanced-salary line the Teacher Salary Equalization Fund. Holt said the governor's action raised that program to $25,000,000 per year.

Members asked technical and policy questions. Several lawmakers confirmed that federal ARP/CARES funds are not folded into the biennial adequacy calculations: the committee's regular funding decisions are based on the matrix rather than temporary federal relief dollars. Members also sought clarification about ESA (Enhanced Student Achievement) funding tiers and allowable uses; Holt said ESA originally covered tutoring, before‑/after‑school support and preschool but now lists many allowable uses and that districts report using some ESA funds for basic needs in addition to academics.

Committee leaders asked members to submit specific issues in writing for follow-up research and reminded members of a statutory deadline to complete the adequacy review. The committee scheduled further briefings and directed staff to provide more documentation, including PLC evaluation materials and contract details, ahead of the November meeting.

The committee adjourned after handling additional business and scheduling follow-up items.