Jordan Schools Ask For Local Support

During the past several years the state legislature has gradually shifted the burden of school funding to local districts. In 1980 less than a quarter of Minnesota schools required operating levies and those that were necessary were relatively small; for example, in 1984 referendum revenue in Minnesota school districts made up less than 3 percent of total education revenue. By 2007 that figure increased to 9.95 percent. In 2009, approximately 90% of Minnesota school districts need operating levies to pay the bills. Some metropolitan districts depend on these levies for more than 20 percent of their revenue. The total referendum amount of $550 is quite conservative relative to the state average of $760 per pupil.

Why is it so important for Jordan to pass an Operating Levy?

The district must comply with unfunded mandates which are regulations imposed by state or federal government that are not fully reimbursed by the governmental bodies ordering them. Some examples of unfunded mandates in Jordan are Title I reading programs, K-12 State testing, NCLB testing, transportation, English Language Learning, physical education, bus safety, drug alcohol abuse education, special education, and many, many more.
State funding hasn't kept up with inflation.
The state has decided to defer payments to schools - meaning districts must borrow money to pay the bills.
Utility and insurance expenses have risen faster than revenues.
The state only provides 57% of the funding for all day kindergarten; the remaining 43% comes from the district's general fund.
The school board wants to maintain class sizes and programs. Without an operating levy they face another round of budget cuts.
State officials and auditors recommend having at least 45 days of operating expenses in the general fund at all times. This balance covers unexpected expenses between payments from the state. Think of it as an emergency fund in case the car breaks down before payday. Currently our general fund only holds a 20 day reserve.

jordan fund balance

Decade of Funding Changes - Bad for Jordan

"Changes in Minnesota school funding since 2001 have devastated small, rural schools. The State basically reneged on its pledge to fully fund schools at the state level, and instead put into a place that systematically discriminates against small, rural schools." Jessica Anderson - University of Minnesota Morris

Education funding is a very complicated subject. Like it or not, local levies are a critical part of the current funding model. To learn more, please consider reading this article.

The Minnesota Miracle Abandoned?
Changes in Minnesota School Funding,
2001-2007
Gregory R. Thorson & Jessica L. Anderson


		Jordan Schools Ask For Local Support During the past several years the state legislature has gradually shifted the burden of school funding to local districts. In 1980 less than a quarter of Minnesota schools required operating levies and those that were necessary were relatively small; for example, in 1984 referendum revenue in Minnesota school districts made up less than 3 percent of total education revenue. By 2007 that figure increased to 9.95 percent. In 2009, approximately 90% of Minnesota school districts need operating levies to pay the bills. Some metropolitan districts depend on these levies for more than 20 percent of their revenue. The total referendum amount of $550 is quite conservative relative to the state average of $760 per pupil. Why is it so important for Jordan to pass an Operating Levy? The district must comply with unfunded mandates which are regulations imposed by state or federal government that are not fully reimbursed by the governmental bodies ordering them. Some examples of unfunded mandates in Jordan are Title I reading programs, K-12 State testing, NCLB testing, transportation, English Language Learning, physical education, bus safety, drug alcohol abuse education, special education, and many, many more. State funding hasn't kept up with inflation. The state has decided to defer payments to schools - meaning districts must borrow money to pay the bills. Utility and insurance expenses have risen faster than revenues. The state only provides 57% of the funding for all day kindergarten; the remaining 43% comes from the district's general fund. The school board wants to maintain class sizes and programs. Without an operating levy they face another round of budget cuts. State officials and auditors recommend having at least 45 days of operating expenses in the general fund at all times. This balance covers unexpected expenses between payments from the state. Think of it as an emergency fund in case the car breaks down before payday. Currently our general fund only holds a 20 day reserve. Decade of Funding Changes - Bad for Jordan "Changes in Minnesota school funding since 2001 have devastated small, rural schools. The State basically reneged on its pledge to fully fund schools at the state level, and instead put into a place that systematically discriminates against small, rural schools." Jessica Anderson - University of Minnesota Morris Education funding is a very complicated subject. Like it or not, local levies are a critical part of the current funding model. To learn more, please consider reading this article. The Minnesota Miracle Abandoned? Changes in Minnesota School Funding, 2001-2007 Gregory R. Thorson & Jessica L. Anderson

Site hosting and development provided by KATR Software Inc.