FACT: The average state legislated funding per pupil in MN today is significantly less than in 1991 when comparing inflation adjusted dollars.
Education costs have been increasing and public funding has been decreasing (when adjusted for inflation). This “funding gap” has widened most years since 1991 and dramatically since 2002. (See chart below.) Unfortunately for our children, the trend does not appear to be reversing anytime soon. In fact, even when state funding remains flat, this in effect results in a budget reduction because education costs continue to rise due to cost of living increases, general inflation, mandatory program spending, energy increases and healthcare increases.
FACT: The K-12 funding situation is getting worse.
Because there is actually a decrease in state legislated funding for the school years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, the gap will widen to 28% — or a gap of $1,211 per student. (See graph below.)
Sources: http://amsd.org/research_stats.html (see General Ed Formula History, 2009) and http://education.state.mn.us
FACT: Orono ranks 330 out of 337 districts in MN for General Fund state formula funding. Orono receives $5,334 per student which is $613 below the state average (for the year 2008).
There are many additions to the basic Net Formula Allowance which make up the General Fund state formula funding. This is where Orono falls way behind most MN districts. The Net Formula Allowance per pupil amount is the same across all districts, but based on various factors within the district, additional funds are then added to make up the General Fund state formula per pupil amount. Orono does not qualify for much of this additional funding.
FACT: Funding to keep basic educational programming has continually fallen short – and keeping pace with technological advances lags even further.
The ways in which we educate and what we teach have changed. Unlike in the business and manufacturing world, there have not been major cost/labor saving advancements for schools. In fact, the meteoric rise of information technology capabilities starting in the 1980s has changed the educational needs of our children – and has also increased costs.
In response to the funding gaps, the Orono School district has, in the past, been forced to reduce teachers/staff positions which increases class sizes and decreases academic programming offerings such as music, visual arts, foreign language, physical education, and other services.
FACT: Private donations are required to maintain a consistent quality of education.
Local levies make up some of the funding needs. However, basic educational programming and reasonable class sizes are at risk without additional funding.
Forward thinking education leaders are considering creative ways to implement programming that goes beyond the basic requirements. While districts everywhere are trying to supplement the public funding sources with private funding, the Orono Alliance is a leader in this area by partnering with the school district and school board to shape priorities and augment funding.
Budget cuts equate to faculty reduction which means increased class sizes and programming cuts. This is because 80% of the general fund operating budget is comprised of staff salaries and benefits.
Funding from the Orono Alliance and other Orono parent groups has eased the need for reductions in our schools.
FACT: The Orono Alliance is committed to action – now and for the future. Since 2000, the Alliance has granted $2.7 million to the Orono Public Schools
Each year, the Alliance seeks to narrow the funding gap such that our kids receive the services needed for a high-quality education and enhanced programming. Local citizens have generously contributed resources and time to mitigate immediate funding crisis needs and augment program offerings. We want to continue this progress – and you can help be a part of this effort.
Because of careful fiscal management by the Orono School District and continued contributions from the Alliance, class sizes are reasonable and certain programs have been maintained– or enhanced– to a level not possible without Alliance grants.
Read “What We Fund” to learn specifically how the Orono Alliance grant has been used.
Together, we can make a significant difference in the educational experience of our children now. Private donations can have IMMEDIATE AND IMPORTANT IMPACT on the quality of education for our children. Our kids only have today to learn.
We have tried to explain this complicated funding situation in a way that is easy to understand. If you would like to learn more, please visit:
http://amsd.org/research_stats.html and http://education.state.mn.us
.