(KAIR)--Atchison's USD 409 could see immediate effects from funding cuts proposed last week by Governor Sam Brownback.



Superintendent Dr. Susan Myers says that a mid year reduction in funding of $94,000 for the district has been proposed, in addition to Senate bill 17 that, if passed, could mean a loss of approximately $114,000 from the district's local option budget. Myers adds that the loss of nearly $200,000 this year is very concerning, but what is “More problematic...is the disequalization of education in Kansas by getting rid of weighting.”



Myers says the cuts do not come as much of a surprise, and that she, along with district Business Manager Lori Lanter “Have gone into this year with the realization that even though we received new money, and said we would be held harmless throughout the election, that that may not happen.”



However, adjustment are being made to account for the potential loss of income from the state. Myers says that the district does have a contingency fund, and will use cash if needed. Further adjustments would be made later, if needed, for next year's budget.



Brownback announced Thursday that he intends to cut nearly $45 million in funding for public schools and higher education in March.



