Luna: Budget request has changed since Sept., less enrollment growth now expected

State schools Supt. Tom Luna says his budget request now is slightly different than what he submitted in September, in part because, he said, “We do not need as much money for growth and student enrollment. That money can be spent differently.” Overall, he’s calling for a 4.7 percent increase in state general funds for public schools. He said he’d include a 2 percent boost in discretionary funds to school districts, and his revised proposal would fit within the governor’s budget recommendation.

The original budget request anticipated 150 additional support units, which are funding measures roughly equal to a classroom full of students; now, it’s estimated at closer to 50.