BH School Leaders Preparing For State Funding Cuts

bentonharborhighschool-69
bentonharborhighschool-69

Leaders at Benton Harbor Area Schools are planning for substantial state funding cuts in the coming year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During a Tuesday virtual session of the school board, district Chief Financial Officer Scott Johnson said he’s already been warned.

“While it’s still too early to know what our foundational allowance will be for the next fiscal year starting July 1, we have been advised to draw up multiple revenue scenarios,” Johnson said. “For Benton Harbor Area Schools, these scenarios range from a revenue reduction of approximately $800,000 to $1.5 million.”

Johnson said more information about the size of the funding cuts will be available after a meeting at the state level this week. He also noted it’s possible money in federal coronavirus relief packages could help. He’s waiting on clarification on that question.