State lawmakers consider new education funding formula

RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ) – State lawmakers are taking a closer look at how Virginia distributes education funds to public schools across the state.

A new bipartisan panel held its first meeting Monday afternoon, but finding a new funding formula won’t be easy.

The framework for Virginia’s current formula has been in place for more than 50 years,

“The education system today doesn’t look the same as it did when our funding system was designed,” said Sen. Mamie Locke (D-Hampton), chairwoman of the joint subcommittee studying K-12 education funding.

And you’d be hard pressed to find someone who truly loves him, but finding a viable alternative is easier said than done.

Delegate Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke) is the subcommittee’s vice chair.

“Kindergarten and secondary education is one of the largest items in our state budget, accounting for 30 percent of our general fund, so it often impacts how we fund other state government priorities,” Rasoul said at the meeting. “That’s why we’re going to be careful, thoughtful and deliberate throughout this process to make sure we get it right.”

The subcommittee also includes Del. Terry Austin (R-Botetourt Co.).

Despite the difficulty of meeting the needs of school districts of different sizes in different parts of the state, lawmakers expressed hope that common ground could be found.

“I always tell my constituents that we have issues, things that we should be able to work together on and that we work very well together as Republicans and Democrats. And then we have cat and dog issues, things that we’re supposed to disagree on, reasons why there are Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives,” said Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg). “That seems like an issue, something that we should be able to work cooperatively on.”

A proposal used in many other states would change Virginia’s system from an employee-based formula to a student-based funding formula.

Lawmakers estimate it could take time, perhaps two to three years, with plenty of opportunity for public input.