Superintendent Warns of State Funding Gaps Despite Balanced Budget

Beecher Board of Education Meeting | February 11, 2026

Article Summary: While celebrating a positive staff culture that promotes internal advancement, Superintendent Dr. Jack Gaham warned the Board of Education about chronic underfunding in state reimbursements. Specifically, “mandated categoricals” such as transportation and special education are currently reimbursed at only a fraction of their actual cost.

Financial Key Points:

• Funding Shortfall: The state is currently funding mandated categoricals at approximately 60% to 65%, leaving the district to cover the difference.

• Local Cost: The shortfall in state reimbursement costs the district approximately $500,000 annually.

• Staff Retention: Dr. Gaham highlighted the district’s success in “growing their own” teachers, citing multiple aides and support staff who have obtained teaching degrees while working for the district.

During the Beecher Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Superintendent Dr. Jack Gaham provided a financial reality check regarding state funding.

While the state has fully funded Evidence-Based Funding (EBF), Gaham pointed out that “mandated categoricals”—state-required services such as special education and transportation—are not fully reimbursed.

“We are by law mandated to make sure that kids get these services,” Gaham explained. He estimated the cost for these services at $1.2 million. However, because the state funds these items at a proration of roughly 60% to 65%, the district receives only about $700,000.

“There’s $500,000 that I need to steal from a different fund to cover the mandated categoricals,” Gaham said. He urged the Board to be aware of this gap as legislators continue to discuss school funding.

Despite the financial caution, Gaham praised the district’s ability to retain and develop staff. He listed several employees, including teachers Nick Jacobs, Rhianna, and Mrs. Martinez, who began as aides, substitutes, or custodians and pursued degrees to become full-time teachers within the district.

“We’re building something here, guys, that teachers want to be here,” Gaham said. “They’re seeing the need and they’re stepping up.”