Over the last 6 fiscal year s and into the current fiscal year, school districts around the state have dealt with a proration in general state aid that has led to them receiving less money each year and putting some in dire financial situations. To illustrate the affect that the state funding issues have had on her school district, St. Elmo Superintendent Deb Philpot presented the St. Elmo School Board with a chart showing the growth and depletion of fund balances dating back to the 2004-2005 school year. In the last 11 years, St. Elmo has seen their amount of liquid funds drop by over $1.5 million.
After several years of receiving general state aid at a rate of 89%, schools are getting GSA at a rate of 92%. Categorical funds which include transportation and special education are still lagging however as districts are receiving only 2-3 payments out of the 5 they are due each year.