Frequently Asked Questions

Click the "Contact" link and send us your questions. Look here for answers.

How do teachers' and staff salaries effect the budget?
For most employers, people are the greatest asset and the largest expense. A school is no different, and just like workers in the private sector Jordan's teachers are continually asked to do more with less: less budget for classroom supplies, less support staff, less development training and less take-home pay. Jordan spends about 12% less than most MN districts for "regular instruction" per student. On average Jordan's teachers have seen smaller paychecks in each of the past three years. But, this referendum is not about raises for teachers, it's about adequately funding our schools so that our kids continue to receive the quality education they deserve.

What happens if the school tax levy fails?
The school district would have one of two options:
1) The school board would continue to make deeper cuts to education programs. Most likely the cuts would mean larger class sizes, increased user fees, bussing reductions, fewer course electives, fewer extracurricular options, etc.
2) School board could choose not to make sufficient cuts leading to a negative fund balance and statutory operating debt (S.O.D.). If the school district goes into S.O.D. the state then starts to take control of the finances.

In this tight economy, why would I want to vote to raise my taxes?
This is a tough time to ask the taxpayer for more money, however a strong school is an attractive and a very important factor to potential homeowners. A city without growth will have a negative impact on home values. Not only is an investment good for children's education, it is also important for the future and strength of the community.

How much of the budget is spent on athletics?
Less than 4% of the schools budget is used for co-curricular activities. The activities budget also includes band, choir, fall and spring plays, knowledge bowl, speech, and all other non-athletic non-school activities. Co-curricular activities are an important part of schools, studies have shown that participation in these activities also boosts academic performance.

State education spending keeps going up! Why are schools asking for more money?
It's true that the General Education Formula has increased significantly in the past decade. The "formula" is the main source of school funding in Minnesota. It is set by the state. Most formula money goes to the school district's General Fund, but it is also responsible for other funds in the budget: construction, food service, community service, debt service, trust and agency fund.
In recent years, lawmakers have increased the formula by transferring money from other funds. Schools did not necessarily get a net gain when the formula increased. "There's no way to sugarcoat it. State investment in education is dropping. Adjusted for inflation, per pupil Minnesota school district operating revenue will be five percent less in fiscal year (FY) 2009 than it was in FY 2003." - Minnesota 2020

What has the district done to reduce spending?
Three failed operating levy referendums have resulted in more than $1,000,000 in budget cuts since 2004. To see a list cuts click here.


		Frequently Asked Questions Click the "Contact" link and send us your questions. Look here for answers. How do teachers' and staff salaries effect the budget? For most employers, people are the greatest asset and the largest expense. A school is no different, and just like workers in the private sector Jordan's teachers are continually asked to do more with less: less budget for classroom supplies, less support staff, less development training and less take-home pay. Jordan spends about 12% less than most MN districts for "regular instruction" per student. On average Jordan's teachers have seen smaller paychecks in each of the past three years. But, this referendum is not about raises for teachers, it's about adequately funding our schools so that our kids continue to receive the quality education they deserve. What happens if the school tax levy fails? The school district would have one of two options: 1) The school board would continue to make deeper cuts to education programs. Most likely the cuts would mean larger class sizes, increased user fees, bussing reductions, fewer course electives, fewer extracurricular options, etc. 2) School board could choose not to make sufficient cuts leading to a negative fund balance and statutory operating debt (S.O.D.). If the school district goes into S.O.D. the state then starts to take control of the finances. In this tight economy, why would I want to vote to raise my taxes? This is a tough time to ask the taxpayer for more money, however a strong school is an attractive and a very important factor to potential homeowners. A city without growth will have a negative impact on home values. Not only is an investment good for children's education, it is also important for the future and strength of the community. How much of the budget is spent on athletics? Less than 4% of the schools budget is used for co-curricular activities. The activities budget also includes band, choir, fall and spring plays, knowledge bowl, speech, and all other non-athletic non-school activities. Co-curricular activities are an important part of schools, studies have shown that participation in these activities also boosts academic performance. State education spending keeps going up! Why are schools asking for more money? It's true that the General Education Formula has increased significantly in the past decade. The "formula" is the main source of school funding in Minnesota. It is set by the state. Most formula money goes to the school district's General Fund, but it is also responsible for other funds in the budget: construction, food service, community service, debt service, trust and agency fund. In recent years, lawmakers have increased the formula by transferring money from other funds. Schools did not necessarily get a net gain when the formula increased. "There's no way to sugarcoat it. State investment in education is dropping. Adjusted for inflation, per pupil Minnesota school district operating revenue will be five percent less in fiscal year (FY) 2009 than it was in FY 2003." - Minnesota 2020 What has the district done to reduce spending? Three failed operating levy referendums have resulted in more than $1,000,000 in budget cuts since 2004. To see a list cuts click here.

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