Union County faces preschool funding crisis due to Medicaid service rate increases

The Marysville School District is facing significant challenges in funding preschool services due to rising Medicaid costs, as discussed in a recent government meeting. The district reported a staggering $5.7 million increase in required Medicaid services since 2023, with a 6% growth in service rates that took effect in 2024. This financial strain has left the district unable to support preschool programs, a situation echoed by neighboring districts in Union County.

During the meeting, officials highlighted that the initial levy projections did not account for these increased Medicaid expenses. As a result, the funding request needed to support preschool services should have been approximately 3.75 mills, but only 1.1 mills was proposed. This discrepancy has raised concerns about the sustainability of preschool programs, particularly since around 90% of students attending Harold Lewis Preschool are from Marysville.

The district's responsibility to provide preschool services is now in jeopardy, with officials indicating that without additional funding, these essential programs may be discontinued. The implications of this funding shortfall are significant, as it affects not only the immediate educational landscape but also the long-term development of children in the community.

As the district navigates these financial challenges, stakeholders are urged to consider the impact on families and the importance of early childhood education. The situation calls for urgent discussions on potential solutions to ensure that preschool services remain accessible to all children in the Marysville area.