We're here to answer your questions about the district's budget. Below are some frequently asked questions about the budget, and the district's financial situation. All of this information comes from the district's budget page.
How is the district funded?
The graph below shows the district’s major revenue sources for the 2022-23 school year. Over half of the district’s revenue comes from the state government. Much of the state revenue is for general use, but some of it is designated for special purposes, like special education and transportation. The district also receives money from the federal government that is designated for special purposes. The main local sources of revenue are the Operations Levy and the Technology Levy. The last revenue source is Federal ESSER funds that were designed to provide COVID relief, but are expiring with the 2023-24 school year. ESSER funds will not be available for 2024-25.
What is causing the budget shortfall?
The district is facing a $16 to $20 million budget shortfall for the 2024-25 school year. The biggest factor impacting the budget is enrollment. Enrollment in public education is in decline all over the state. Some of the district’s funding is allocated on a per student basis. With fewer students enrolled, the district receives less money. Another factor is that emergency COVID relief (ESSER) funds are expiring in 2024. ESSER funds accounted for 5% of the district’s revenue in 2022-23.
Inflation is another major factor, with rising costs for supplies, electricity, and fuel for school buses all making a dent in the budget. Another factor is an underfunded special education mandate from the state. Our district is required to provide a certain level of support for students with special needs, but doesn’t receive enough funding from the state to cover the cost for that level of support.
How is enrollment changing over time?
Enrollment in our district has been on a steady decline for the past eight years, with a particularly sharp drop
immediately following the 2020 pandemic. Middle school and high school enrollment levels have remained fairly
consistent, with the most decline being seen at the elementary level. As elementary students get older, we will see
a wave in enrollment decline go through our middle and high schools. Enrollment is predicted to continue to decrease
at least through 2027. 
Please visit the district’s budget page for more information.