Governor Edwards Talks About Education Money

Louisiana's public school financing formula won't be facing cuts next year from Governor John Bel Edwards, despite the state's deep budget gaps. Edwards assured a group of educators at a town hall-style meeting Tuesday night that he wouldn't seek to reduce the funding formula. But he also told the audience that he didn't expect financing for K-12 public schools to be boosted in the budget year that begins July 1, saying educators should expect flat funding from the state. Public schools have received some increases in the financing formula over the last eight years even as other programs and services across state government have taken cuts.

Louisiana currently allocates $3.7 billion dollars for public schools and puts it into the minimum foundation program, which distributes money to school districts. Edwards spoke and answered questions from educators and staff at a listening tour sponsored by the Louisiana Association of Educators.