QUINCY (WGEM) – The chief operations officer explained how the challenges arose.
Back in March, the Hannibal School District released a memo outlining its financial challenges. In it, they discussed income challenges and spending pressures they face.
“To ensure transparent communication, Hannibal Public Schools is proactively informing staff of this difficult news,” the memo said.
Last week, a fiscal review by the Missouri State Comptroller revealed the state’s fiscal challenges. While the state study found a variety of factors are involved in the challenge, the district believes there are primarily external factors impacting revenue.
The district’s announcement in March said declining enrollment was also a key factor, as was an increase in absentee students.
“This is a trend we’re seeing in many public schools, not just across the state but nationally,” explained Ted Sampson, chief operations officer for the Hannibal School District.
Sampson explained that since COVID-19, the number of students enrolled in Hannibal Public Schools has decreased and the number of absentees has increased.
“The state foundation system pays students based on their average daily attendance, so less students means less money coming in,” Sampson added.
Sampson said that since COVID-19, many of the online education companies that have sprung up during the pandemic have begun contacting state education departments, leading some parents to consider their options. he added.
Sampson and the district expect student numbers to increase, but acknowledged the challenges are significant.
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