Committee lays over bill to allow ECFE fund transfer for small district preschool deficit

Senate File 43‑44, presented by Senator Weber and discussed March 25, would authorize a transfer from an Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) reserve balance in the community service fund to the undesignated balance in the general fund for a district. Senator Weber said the primary purpose is to underwrite a preschool fund deficit in the Ivanhoe School District in his senate district.

Lloyd Wobert, superintendent (he said he serves several small districts including Westbrook Walnut Grove and Ivanhoe), told the committee that the ECFE fund had $68,800 on June 30, 2025 and is projected to be about $90,000 on the coming June 30, while the preschool fund is expected to have about a $60,000 deficit. Wobert said ECFE enrollment in a typical month runs nine to 17 families and preschool classes range from nine to 16 students in recent years; he asked the committee to permit the transfer so the district can stabilize its preschool program.

Committee members asked follow‑up questions about enrollment and usage; the chair laid the bill over for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill.