Pushing back on a move last week to cut support for schools that don’t reopen classrooms, Gov. Eric Holcomb said Wednesday that he will work with education policymakers to preserve full state funding.

Holcomb’s solution is to buy time for lawmakers to discuss and pass a change to a state law that otherwise would reduce state dollars for students learning mostly online. He is suggesting delaying the Sept. 18 count date of student enrollment that’s used to calculate school funding.

By postponing the court date until at least December, schools won’t immediately see their funding dip before lawmakers convene for a ceremonial opening day in November or when the regular session starts in January to discuss amending the school funding formula.

“This solution will put to rest lingering questions or concerns so schools can continue to focus on opening schools safely and educating Indiana’s students,” Holcomb said in a statement, adding that legislative leaders “share my commitment to fund schools to the full extent during this uncertain and unprecedented time.”

In a press release, House Speaker Todd Huston and Senate leader Rodric Bray offered support for the move.

Bray, who alarmed districts last week by outlining reductions to schools not offering in-person learning, said lawmakers could “take a fresh look at these statutes in light of the pandemic to ensure schools are adequately funded.”

The Indiana State Board of Education, made up of members appointed by Holcomb and other legislative leaders, would need to call a special meeting to move the court date.