Fremont County School District #1

Dear Representative Heiner: On behalf of the Fremont County #1 School Board, I write to express serious concern about proposals to expand categorical funding restrictions and to eliminate block‑grant (flexible) funding options for school districts. While well‑intentioned, such policies risk undermining local control, weakening student outcomes, and reducing district ability to respond to unique needs. Key concerns ● Erodes local decision‑making: Categorical funding prescribes how dollars must be spent, removing the board’s ability to prioritize based on local student demographics, staffing realities, facility needs, and community values. Block funding allows districts to direct limited resources where they will have the greatest impact. ● Reduces responsiveness and innovation: Districts facing shifting enrollment, labor markets, or student needs must be able to reallocate funds quickly (e.g., to retain critical staff, expand mental‑health supports, or pilot evidence‑based programs). Categorical funds tied to narrow uses slow or prevent that responsiveness and stifle innovation. ● Undermines local board authority: Currently, our board has a Salary & Benefits Committee that meets with classified, certified, and administrative staff to build a comprehensive salary and benefits package that best suits the needs of our staff. The proposed changes in recalibration would deem this local collaboration obsolete, having negative consequences for board and staff relations. ● Undermines accountability for results: True accountability focuses on student outcomes, not line‑item spending. When funds are overly constrained, it becomes harder to pursue tailored strategies that demonstrably improve learning. Requested actions ● Preserve block‑funding options and local flexibility in state funding policy so districts can align resources with demonstrated local priorities and outcomes. Local boards, educators, and communities are best positioned to know how to deploy resources to serve their students. We support state investments in education and targeted funding for clear priorities, but urge the Legislature to retain local flexibility. We welcome the opportunity to discuss these concerns and share district examples in more detail. Thank you for your public service and commitment to our wonderful state. Sincerely, Taylor Jacobs, M.S., BCBA Board Chair On behalf of the of the FCSD#1 Board of Trustees