Democratic gubernatorial candidates split on education; advocates see next year as pivotal

Public education advocates highlighted significant financial difficulties, with one district noting a $6 million transfer to cover unreimbursed special education expenses and coping with rising healthcare costs. Advocates are concerned about the stability of local funding and lack sufficient state aid despite increased inflationary pressures. Political attention is focused on upcoming elections and a lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of the state’s school funding formula, which could require a major overhaul.