A state level committee has been looking at possible changes to the funding mix that South Dakota schools can use. The legislature loosened the categories that can be funded with capital outlay funds. In the past that was used only for items like desks, books and computers. After the budget cut in 2011, schools were allowed to use those funds to supplement their general fund.

For some schools, even that is not enough.

Voters in the Gregory School District defeated two opt out attempts in the past year.

Superintendent Sara Klein says they still have some reserves, but are using them more and more…

 

Klein says they have been relying on the capital outlay fund to help them stay balanced…

 

Klein says their student numbers have not moved much in the past five years, maintaining their state aid…

 

Klein says they have cut electives and bus routes among other things to focus on core classes.