By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

At Monday’s Board of Education meeting, Hays USD 489 Superintendent Dean Katt said he will meet with local legislators soon to find out what the district can expect regarding funding for the next school year in light of the state’s bipartisan research committee projecting a $648 million budget shortfall for the next fiscal year.

“We need to start talking with the legislators about their thoughts and what they can do to help us,” Katt said, adding if the state cuts base aid per pupil, USD 489 will have some major decisions to make.

“We are working administratively with where we are going forward next year with everything–there is not a lot of low-hanging fruit left,” Katt said. “We will have to have some serious talks. It just depends but we will have to know sooner or later and have some serious talks if that’s the route they (the state) go.”

In the meantime, Katt said the district is taking a “very conservative approach” on spending.

Finance Director Tracy Kaiser said the district’s latest financial report shows the district has spent less than 25 percent in all budget categories.

The state’s 2015 legislative session is set to begin January 13 in Topeka.