Monday, November 9, the State Finance Council provided “extraordinary needs” funding of $4,242,794 for 27 Kansas school districts. Funding was related to increased enrollment, refugee resettlement and reduced oil and gas valuations for Kansas schools. Hugoton’s USD 210 received 77 percent of their requested $563,606, while Moscow’s USD 209 received 90 percent of their requested $131,351. Both Stevens County districts requested extraordinary need funds from the state due to the county’s decreased valuation. Since 2013, Stevens County’s valuation has gone down approximately 25 percent. A higher mill levy has made up some of the difference, but the districts recognized the need for more money. Local schools have been cutting their budgets, but the funds from the state are still desperately needed. Until natural gas prices go back up, the county schools will continue to require state funding. USD 210 Superintendent Adrian Howie reported the money from the state will go toward next year’s budget and should help offset this year’s mill levy increase. Requests for extraordinary need funds included 16 districts applying for oil and gas-related decreases in property valuation; three requests for valuations continued from the last council meeting; seven requests for enrollment exceeding a two percent threshold; and a request from the Wichita school district to support refugee students. “This process provides school districts with the opportunity to request funds to address extraordinary, unexpected changes that affect their ability to serve their students,” said Governor Brownback. “We continue to see that remnants of the old formula create financial challenges for some of our districts.” According to the Kansas State Department of Education, total student enrollment across the state showed an increase of 395 students. Of the state’s 268 school districts, 168 saw reduced enrollment, 31 were flat and 87 saw an increase. School districts experiencing a decrease in enrollment benefit from the block grant as their funding was based on the previous year’s higher enrollment numbers. The Council also approved $2,978,323 for 16 school districts for reduction in oil and gas valuations greater than a five percent threshold. The Deerfield, Quinter and Moscow school districts received $496,134 related to oil and gas settlements. Deerfield received $141,342; Quinter received $232,976; and Moscow received $121,816. Hugoton received $433.320. The extraordinary needs fund was established as part of SB 7, the historic K-12 education block grant passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor. Year – to – date funding through the “extraordinary needs” process now totals $9,363,599. Approximately $2.9 million remains in the fund. A chart detailing districts that received funds, visit http://ksn.com/2015/11/09/kansas-officials-ap prove-4-2m-in-emergency- aid-for-schools/.