Unprecedented state matching funds secured for school construction
The only things more complicated than the state budget and taxes are the state budget and taxes that fund schools. But there also are few policy issues that are more important. That’s why Beechwood Independent School District hired the Limestone Group and made history with its legislative accomplishment in 2022.
The nickel tax, which allows school districts to assess an additional rate of 5 cents on every $100 of assessed property value, funds most new school construction in Kentucky. Beechwood Independent School District has assessed a total of four nickels for its district.
But it was an unprecedented accomplishment in the 2022 state budget that allowed the district to truly maximize its construction and renovation plan. It became the first time a school district ever had all four of those nickel taxes matched in the state budget bill.
“Jason is very accessible,” said Dr. Mike Stacy, superintendent of the school district. “That’s rare to find – especially in Frankfort. His ability to keep up with communication and be attentive to his clients is one of the main reasons why I would recommend him. He has more than two decades of experience in Frankfort. His ability to weave in and out of the two parties is a bipartisanship that is harder to find.”
K-12 education funding has declined as a percentage of the budget since 2007. Dr. Stacy said inflation has further exacerbated the funding challenges. In addition, his district doesn’t have the geographical footprint to fund the necessary construction – even with the additional local tax assessments.
“It was a gray area of whether the nickels could be matched continuously. But if the local school board takes the risk to raise the nickel, we wanted the state budget to match it. This investment will help us provide safer, cleaner buildings that are modern and will provide a better learning environment. We will be able to provide modern training. Most of our existing buildings were designed for 1980s education.”
Dr. Stacy also credits Jason’s passion for – and understanding of – education for making a difference.
“Jason’s dad was a superintendent, and his mom was a teacher, so he has knowledge that most lobbyists don’t have.”