First, I want to dispel the notion that I oppose providing any assistance to the affected school districts. To the contrary, I believe that for at least some districts, some form of additional state assistance will be necessary to enable them to meet their financial obligations. As far as I know, that's still the case. If you think differently, please let me know. That's this year.
Next year is a different matter.
That problem will have to be addressed, and I have said so to legislative leaders. There is strong opposition to using the General Fund to finance a bailout, however. So the challenge we face is to find a way for the state to help districts meet their obligations, without dipping into the General Fund for a bailout. We're developing some creative ideas and hope to have something to present publicly very soon. I will, of course, keep PSBA fully informed.