Education: Public education will face 3 to 4 percent cuts

State public education budgets will get a 3 to 4 percent cut for fiscal 2010, as recommended by the governor.

"We're pleased he (the governor) has been putting a high priority on students and classrooms. We recognize this comes at some cost of other agencies and services," said State Superintendent Patti Harrington.

State education will slice $201 million for fiscal 2010. A total of $153 million could be used from other sources to backfill that money, leaving a deficit of $48 million. Education leaders have already said they can ax some programs, such as the $20 million one-time money for teacher merit pay.

The governor recommended a 2.4 percent increase in funding for enrollment growth, totaling $62.6 million, but the weighted pupil unit is to remain the same — despite the fact the value of the WPU has increased annually since about the mid-1980s. WPU is a method used to dole out state funding to school districts based on enrollment and fund teacher salaries. That may force school districts to turn to property taxes or limit teacher pay increases.

— Amy K. Stewart