INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric Holcomb delivered a huge surprise to the state's public schools, teachers and families.
Funding for K-12 schools will not be cut because of a pandemic that is battering the state budget.
With university funding and most state agency budgets being cut, school superintendents feared the worst but Holcomb delivered the best surprise.
Indiana's public schools will receive the promised $183 million increase in state funding.
"Not only have our K through 12 schools been spared the knife or a cut in their budgets," Holcomb said. "But this just illustrates or underscores the priority, and the importance that we place at this very foundational level."
Wayne Township School Superintendent Dr. Jeff Butts was completely taken by surprise.
"I did a 'what the what' comments with my team," Butts said with a smile. "This was completely out of the blue."
According to Butts, schools anticipated at the very least a freeze in state funding – a move that could have led to cuts in programs and teaching staff.
"This will certainly assist us in maintaining the teaching and classified positions that we have today," Butts said.
Even with the budgeted increase in state funding, schools will have trouble balancing their budgets. They are spending millions of additional dollars protecting students and employees from COVID-19.
Federal grants, totaling nearly $200 million are expected to cover some but not all the costs.
Wayne Township's initial shopping list topped $6 million.
"In supplies, in software and devices and things that will be required of us to continue our learning both physically and remotely," Butts said.
The one time federal funding will make a big difference in the short run but schools are looking further ahead to the continuing costs of combating the coronavirus.
"As you look long term it is very concerning," Butts explained. "And even I would tell you it keeps me up at night."
At least for now, the governor has put to bed the dreaded nightmare of school funding cuts.