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School Finance FAQs

Q: How are public schools funded?

A: Most public schools are funded through a combination of:

  • State government funding
  • Local property taxes
  • Federal funding

The exact percentage varies by state, but local and state sources typically make up the majority.

Q: How does enrollment impact funding?

A: In many states, funding is based on per-pupil formulas. If enrollment declines, the school receives less state funding, which can lead to staffing or program reductions.

Q: Why can you afford a new pool but not an additional SRO?

A: School construction projects and staff salaries are funded from two completely separate budget sources. Money designated for building projects cannot legally be used to pay salaries. So even if we have funding available for construction, that does not mean those dollars can be redirected to hire additional staff. 

Q: Why are we building new facilities if budgets are tight?

A: Facility projects are funded through capital or bond dollars that are legally restricted for construction and major improvements. Those funds cannot be used for day-to-day operating expenses like salaries, utilities, or classroom supplies. The Master Campus Plan was approved in mid-2022, and it is continuing as approved.

Q: Why can we afford turf/athletic upgrades but not more classroom aides?

A: Athletic facility improvements are typically funded through capital dollars, donations, or bond proceeds designated for facilities. Classroom aides are paid through the operations fund, which is funded by local taxes. We cannot use one set of money for the other. 

***Our current construction project is 18.67% athletic upgrades and 72.03% educational upgrades.

Q: Why do schools ask for additional fees or fundraising?

A: Many districts operate on tight budgets. Fundraising often supports:

  • Extracurricular programs
  • Classroom supplies
  • Field trips
  • Technology upgrades

These are often not fully covered in the base budget.

Q: If the district has a healthy rainy-day fund, why not use it to expand programs?

A: The rainy-day fund is intended to protect the district from unexpected revenue shortfalls or emergencies. Using it for ongoing expenses would create long-term financial instability once those one-time dollars are gone.