Local school systems in Tennessee receive state funding from the BEP, Basic Education Program. No one really knows how the BEP funding formula really works but in the end, a little more than half of Loudon County schools funding comes from this program. The balance comes from local taxes and a small amount comes through federal funding.

The BEP formula contains several different components and when all added together, gives the total dollars coming from the state. Loudon County's funding was looking good for this year till you get to the last line where they deducted $327,000.00 from the overall total. Where we should have gotten an additional $527,000.00, the state pulled out the 327k leaving our school system with only a $200,000.00 increase in funding. That brings the total state funding for this upcoming school year to $21,937,000.00.

The state may be cutting other schools systems too. I saw in the news where Blount County commissioners have asked Blount County schools to cut 3.1 million from their budget this year. Thankfully, we haven't had to take such drastic actions. The county school board is facing a tough budget this year. Losing that 327k is going to hurt for sure.