great falls k-12 school district great falls public

Great Falls K-12 School District

BUDGET INFORMATION Financial Information Guide to the District • 2011-2012 School Year

Great Falls Public Schools DISTRICT BUDGET INFORMATION

2014-2015 School Year

Our mission

We successfully educate students to navigate their future.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Board and Administrative Staff 1

2. Message from the Director of Business Operations 2

3. Message from the Superintendent 3-6

4. Goals of the District 7

5. Maefairs Budget Funds Report 8

6. Budget Comparison Information

A. Cascade County K-12 School District Levies 2013 9

B. AA Tax Comparisons 10

C. Budgeted Funds—Revenue & Expenditures 11-12

6. Financial Information

B. Transportation Budget (10) 23-24

D. Retirement Fund (14) 27-28

E. Adult Education (17) 29-30

F. Technology Fund (28) 31-32

G. Flexibility Fund (29) 33-34

H. Debt Service Fund (50) 35-36

I. Building Reserve Fund (61) 37-38

7. Commonly Asked Questions About School Funding 39

A. General Fund Budget Information (01) 13-22

C. Tuition Fund (13) 25-26

Great Falls Public Schools Great Falls, Montana

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION Jan Cahill….….....................................................................Chairman Laura Vukasin …..........................................................Vice-Chairman Jeff Gray..................................................................................Trustee Ann Janikula…........................................................................Trustee Don Ryan….............................................................................Trustee Jason Brantley…..…………..……………………………..…….Trustee Johnny Walker........................................................................Trustee

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Tammy Lacey..............................................................Superintendent of Schools Brian Patrick.........................................................Director of Business Operations Tom Moore....................................Assistant Superintendent Secondary Education Ruth Uecker.................................Assistant Superintendent Elementary Education Mindy Kiser...............................................................Director of Human Resources Dale Lambert..............................................................Director of Student Services Chris Olszewski………….............................Director of Curriculum and Instruction Jeff Patterson…………………………………….Director of Information Technology

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BOARD AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

I am pleased to present this District Budget

Information Guide which covers the Great Falls Public

School District adopted budget for the 2014-15 school

year. By presenting accurate, easy to follow information

on school finance, we are aided in decision making to

improve our schools and the education of our children.

The charts and graphs are included to make the school

finance story more visual and easier to understand.

The finances of our district translate into the

comprehensive program that we offer our students. That

programming translates into our team of dedicated

p ro fess iona l s wh i ch i nc l udes t eache rs ,

paraprofessionals, kitchen staff, secretaries,

maintenance staff, administrators, board members and

other support personnel all who work hard to fulfill the

mission and goals of our district.

The district’s financial resources are focused on our

mission of educating our students to navigate their

future. We understand that students need a variety of tools to compete in both the work

environment of today and the future. Financial resources are also directed to our twenty schools,

which average 57 years in age. With our goal of providing a safe and secure learning

environment for all our students, we are focusing on addressing safety issues while upgrading our

aging critical infrastructure components.

Please be aware that this financial report is only a snap shot of the District finances at one point

in time. It is important, but not a total view of the broad educational story of how our schools are

achieving. I encourage you to check out the additional financial and strategic plan information

located on our district web page and participate in the public budget process which begins

annually in January. Our goal, providing a quality education for all students, will be achieved

through positive cooperation between our community and school.

Sincerely, Brian Patrick

Director of Business Operations

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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS

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MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

SUPERINTENDENT’S BUDGET MESSAGE Great Falls Public Schools

August,2014 Tammy Lacey, Superintendent

INTRODUCTION It is my pleasure to present to you my 2nd budget message as superintendent of the Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS). As I reflect over the last year with pride and optimism, I can’t help but celebrate the District goals that were accomplished. GFPS worked hard to make the strategic plan come to life. We focused on what matters most—ensuring our students are learning and that we continue to grow as a staff and district. We rode for the brand and made our community proud. We engaged our community in new ways because we understand we can’t do our work in isolation. We thanked our community for their support and will continue to do so. We worked hard and hopefully took the time to

celebrate the outcomes. But that’s the past. It’s now time to look to the future. The information provided below will hopefully provide the reader with the necessary background to think about what is to come before us in the 2014-2015 school year to include the budgetary resources that are necessary to make our vision come true.

ABOUT GFPS Basic Information. “All students engaged in learning today…for life tomorrow” is the vision of Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS). GFPS is the 2nd largest school district in Montana. Approximately 10,300 students are prepared through comprehensive PK-12 programming and extensive extra- and co-curricular offerings. The District engages students through rigorous and relevant curricula, high quality instruction, and customized learning opportunities. GFPS seeks to prepare students for post-secondary studies, career, and citizenship. For more information about the vision, mission, and belief statements of GFPS, please see this website: http://www.gfps.k12.mt.us/content/mission Pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade students are served in the Early Learning Family Center, 15 neighborhood elementary schools, two middle schools, two traditional high schools, and an alternative high school. The District also provides early college opportunities for high school students through dual-credit offerings via partnerships with four Montana colleges, along with life-long adult learning opportunities through its Adult Education program at the Great Falls College-MSU. Students are served by approximately 750 highly trained and qualified educators, many of whom have received state and national recognition. In addition, approximately 600 support staff provide playground and classroom support and supervision; they prepare and serve over one million meals; they repair, clean and maintain almost two million square feet of buildings that are on average 57.5 years old, and they maintain 295 acres of grounds. Another 300 individuals coach athletes in sports programs, and approximately 200 people work as substitute teachers. GFPS is the 3rd largest employer in Great Falls. Strategic Plan. GFPS seeks continuous improvement by executing a strategic plan. The focus is on “Our Kids, Our Community and Our Future” as it seeks to enhance student achievement, stewardship and accountability, and healthy, safe and secure schools. GFPS has strong partnerships with community organizations and businesses in order to pursue these goals.

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The Board has directed staff to actively align available resources towards the vision, mission, and strategic plan goals. District leaders are also tasked with regularly assessing how resources are utilized as GFPS seeks to be efficient and effective in resource allocation. The 2014-15 Strategic Plan sets forth three main goal areas that are of the highest priority for action in the upcoming school year and beyond. These efforts in continuous improvement include: Student Achievement with the goal being to increase student achievement for all students while

closing the achievement gap. Stewardship and Accountability with the goal being to provide prudent stewardship and accountability of public resources to best support educational opportunity and student success. Healthy, Safe and Secure Schools with the goal being to provide all students a healthy, safe and

secure school environment in which to learn. District Leadership has developed action items for each goal area. The GFPS Strategic Plan may be found at this website: http://www.gfps.k12.mt.us/content/about-us ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS Great Falls. According to Policom’s Economic Strength Rankings, Great Falls climbed for the 8th straight year to 109 out of 381 U.S. metro areas. Great Falls has climbed every year since 2006, when we ranked 308. In 2006 we ranked in the 81st percentile and in 2014 Great Falls surged to the 29th percentile in economic strength. Great Falls is one of only 10 metro areas in the country that has climbed in the rankings every year since 2006. Policom's Economic Strength Rankings are based on 23 economic performance measures, making it one of the most comprehensive and extensive rank-ings of structural economic strength. According to the Montana Department of Labor, the Great Falls metro area continued its rapid economic growth in June 2014, adding 581 people and 339 jobs to the labor force. Since January, Great Falls employment has grown 3.2% by adding 1,262 jobs. Great Falls set a new labor force record in June 2014, topping 42,000 for the first time. Great Falls Public Schools. GFPS has been a stable and well-managed community institution since 1888. The district maintains its reputation for excellent stewardship of the public’s funds. Today, GFPS operates an annual general fund budget of $64.7 million with fiduciary responsibility for approximately $100 million of the public’s funds. GFPS spends less than the statewide per pupil spending average. It also levies the fewest mills of all seven of the AA school districts. GFPS Students and Families. Poverty statistics indicate that 45.7% of children district-wide are eligible to receive free or reduced lunches compared to 34% in 2008. Also in 2008, 37 children were served under the federally-funded homeless student program; this year GFPS served 308 homeless children. There are food pantries in 19 schools and many children take food home for the weekend in a backpack program. There are stresses and strains on families that often take their toll on the most innocent: our children.

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SOME BUDGET THOUGHTS

Funding Assumptions. In preparing for the 2014-15 budget, the District determined the following: Rolling the 2013-14 educational program budget into 2014-15 requires a budget increase of approximately $1.6 million due to increases in contractual obligations, health insurance, and operational costs. The District has supplemented the budget with the use of $600,000 from reserves for the last two years; it was determined that this will need to be continued for a third year. During the 2013 legislative session, the major school funding bill, Senate Bill 175, provided for excellent support for statewide schools. For the 2014-15 school year, the impact on the Great Falls Public School district was an increase of $1 million in state funding. The District identified a little over $1 million in additional resources needed in the areas of student achievement,

technology and support for at-risk students.

Budget Setting Process and Levy. The District embarked on a new budget setting approach this last school year that involved the public on a greater scale. After six well-attended community meetings where there was considerable support for the strategic recommendations, the Board made a decision to ask the community for financial support via a $1.6 million mill levy. $1 million was for additional programming in student achievement, technology, and support for at-risk students. An additional $600,000 was required to roll over the existing budget. The District provided specific and thorough information to the community in a variety of ways. The levy passed by a 55-45 margin. The District is extremely grateful to the Great Falls community for this vote of support. Enrollment. Enrollment has a major impact on the District’s budget as state funds for education are distributed on a per pupil formula. The more students enrolled, the more state funding the District receives. For the first time in many years, GFPS has small increases in overall enrollment. The District is looking for this trend to continue due to several factors: The promising economic growth forecasted for Great Falls Additional positions that have been announced at Malmstrom Air Force Base The community’s efforts around Graduation Matters which is keeping more high school students in school The increases in enrollment are welcome, but bring challenges: An increase in the number of classrooms that exceed the state standards for class size An increase in the number of class sections that must be offered An increase in the number of staff that is required Limited space in which to situate students and classrooms Staffing. Districts across Montana are finding it more and more difficult to recruit and retain teachers and other necessary staff members. GFPS shares these same concerns. Positions in special education, industrial technology, student support (aides and paraeducators), and food services are hard to fill. In some cases, personnel turnover is troublesome. GFPS feels that non-competitive salaries are a major factor. In an effort to increase salaries, collective bargaining has resulted in salary increases of 2% for teachers and some other groups for the 2014-15 school year. GFPS is still negotiating with several employee groups. Benefits are a key factor in the recruitment and retention of staff. GFPS has an Insurance Committee that studies the trends and works to provide a good health insurance plan at a price that employees and the District can tolerate. Once again, there are increases in health insurance premiums for 2014-15 that will be equally shared by the employees and GFPS. The salary and health insurance increases are being accounted for in the proposed budgets. Curriculum and Assessment. GFPS offers a comprehensive PK-12 curriculum incorporating all content and performance standards in compliance with Montana Standards of Accreditation. In accordance with ARM 10.55.602, the District has an established curriculum and assessment development process which reviews curricula in all subject areas at intervals not exceeding five years. There are annual costs associated with these updates and reviews and they are accounted for in the budget.

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The 2013 Legislature set forth funding for Data for Achievement work. The District received approximately $157,500 for the 2014-15 budget that is earmarked for this purpose. Along with the funding came an expectation that Districts will implement data driven instructional processes. GFPS has been a leader in the state in this effort as we spent the last year working through a process to purchase and implement a comprehensive student performance data system. It will provide teachers and principals the tool to have student data all in one place to more easily facilitate the development of custom-ized learning plans. The budget will reflect the additional revenue and expenditures for these purposes. Value Added Programming. Thanks to the community of Great Falls taxpayers, the 2014-15 budget includes an additional $1,015,000 in revenue to provide resources so the GFPS Strategic Plan can be a reality. The associated ex-penditures are: The hiring of two elementary classroom teachers for Roosevelt and Mountain View to reduce class sizes at those

schools The hiring of five elementary math teachers to support student math achievement at Longfellow, Whittier, Roosevelt, Sunnyside, and West elementary schools The hiring of a math teacher at CMR and a .5 math teacher at GFHS to reduce class sizes The hiring of a .5 music teacher to enhance the pre-school program The addition of $50,000 to the gifted education budget for materials, equipment, supplies, and training The hiring of a teacher to provide courses in technology to include programming/coding The hiring of two secondary level instructional coaches for literacy and for distance learning and community engagement The inclusion of a $300,000 technology application budget line item The hiring of a behavioral specialist to provide support for elementary students with anti-social behavioral issues The hiring of two drug/alcohol counselors and/or social workers CONCLUSION The 2014-15 budget honors the comprehensive PK-12 programming and extensive extra- and co-curricular offerings that our community is proud of and expects. It supports the need to engage students in rigorous and relevant curricula, high quality instruction, and customized learning opportunities. It supports the expectation of our community to prepare students for college, career, and citizenship. The budget allows students to have access to current technologies and pedagogies. It rewards our high quality staff for their demonstrated expertise and commitment. The budget supports the GFPS Strategic Plan as the district continues it work around student achievement, accountability and stewardship, and safe, healthy and secure schools. I believe this proposed 2014-15 budget is another example of the Great Falls Public Schools’ commitment to its mission, “All kids engaged in learning today for life tomorrow.” Education is a partnership between schools, students, parents, and the community. Students and their families depend on good schools to provide opportunities for learning and growth. Schools depend on community support in order to pro-vide comprehensive opportunities. Communities depend on good schools for economic vitality and future growth. I be-lieve that OUR KIDS, OUR COMMUNITY, and OUR FUTURE are clearly reflected in this proposed budget. I present it to you and recommend its approval. Sincerely, Tammy L. Lacey Superintendent

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GOALS OF THE DISTRICT

GREAT FALLS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The District’s mission, vision and belief statements define the core values that shape the District’s direction and action.

Vision: All kids engaged in learning today……for life tomorrow Mission: We successfully educate students to navigate their futures. Belief Statements:

All students deserve teachers and staff who thrive on student success. Each student will have fair and equitable opportunity for quality instruction and academic

success. All students learn when their individual needs are met through a personalized school experience. All students and staff learn and work best in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment. Highly skilled and committed personnel are our greatest asset. Quality education is a partnership of students, staff, family, and community engagement. Dedication to acknowledging, affirming, and including diversity enriches the educational

experiences for all. District resources, programs and staff are flexible, adaptable and provide choice to meet the

changing needs of all students. A well-educated community is the foundation of our democracy District resources and staff are public assets requiring responsible stewardship and community

involvement. All students will graduate college, career and citizenship ready.

While our District has many strengths and successes to build on, we must also seek continuous improvement to make our vision come true for each student. Therefore, the Board sets forth the following goals and key results that it believes are of the highest priority for action in the upcoming school year and beyond. These goals and key results do not describe everything the District is dedicated to accomplishing. While not all programs and services are specifically addressed in these goals and key results, the District is committed to providing a comprehensive educational experience that meets the needs of each student.

Goals: Student Achievement Goal: Increase student achievement for all students while closing the achievement gap. The Board is committed to ensuring that all students graduate and are college and/or career ready. Every school must improve teaching and learning with a focus on the Montana Content Standards (MCS). Our expectation is that every student will make at least one year of academic growth in each school year.

Stewardship and Accountability Goal: Provide prudent stewardship and accountability of public resources to best support educational opportunity and student success. The Board is committed to directing District resources to providing educational opportunity through both an instructional core and comprehensive programming while maximizing operational efficiency and public accountability within a sustainable budget. The District must recognize a need for a 21st Century learning environment, changing student population with more diverse needs, uncertain revenue streams and escalating costs.

Healthy, Safe and Secure Schools Goal: The District will provide all students a healthy, safe, and secure school environment in which to learn. The Board recognizes its responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of all students within the District. The Board is committed to ensuring that plans and supporting resources are available to carry out this important responsibility.

GREAT FALLS - GREAT SCHOOLS - GREATER TOMORROWS

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CASCADE COUNTY K-12 SCHOOL DISTRICT LEVIES 2013

Source: Montana Tax Foundation 2013-2014

ELEM 348.95 375.27 514.55 335.01 482.67

HS 259.29 244.35 288.08 212.25 284.32

TOTAL 608.24 619.62 802.63 547.26 766.99

**Does not include Ulm Elementary, Deep Creek Elementary, and Vaughn Elementary

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

Belt Cascade Centerville Great Falls Simms/Sun River

HS Mills

Elem Mills

Combined Total Mills

547.26 766.99608.24 619.62 802.63

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AA TAX COMPARISONS

Source: Montana Tax Foundation 2013-2014

Bozeman Great Falls

Billings Butte Missoula Kalispell Helena

Elem 352.0 335.0 359.1 353.3 360.0 373.6 398.0

HS 214.3 212.3 225.0 227.5 218.1 236.8 231.2

Total 566.3 547.3 584.1 580.9 578.1 610.3 629.1

Total

2393.3

1702.8

4096.0

585.1 Average

AA Districts Comparison

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BUDGETED FUNDS—EXPENDITURE BUDGETS

Fund Amount % General $67,400,825 81.28%

Transportation $3,612,554 4.36%

Retirement $9,240,000 11.14%

Adult Education $635,625 0.77%

Technology $1,224,958 1.48%

Flexibility $320,261 0.39%

Building Reserve $298,712 0.36%

Total $82,926,403 100%

Tuition $193,469 0.23%

Category Amount %

Instruction 36,679,384 56.79%

Student Support Services

$5,200,548 8.05%

Admin District** $1,512,573 2.34%

Admin Building*** $4,172,546 6.4%

Business $1,926,527 2.98%

Maintenance of all Plants

$8,953,422 13.86%

Special Education $3,795,415 5.88%

Extra Curricular $1,465,830 2.27%

Operating Trans-fers

$316,741 0.49%

Total 64,582,305 100.00%

Bond Payment $559,299 0.87%

All Budgeted Funds 2014-15 School Year

General Fund Budget Category Spending 2013-14 School Year

** District Property Insurance, Audit Expense, Electric Expense, Postage, Dues & Fees, Board Travel & Expenses, Labor Consultants

*** Building Principal, Clerical and Special Education Admin-istration, & Data for Achievement Salaries & Benefits. Building Administrative supplies & minor equipment.

Sec on Revenue Percentage

State $ 50,930,637.35 61.42%

County $ 9,647,509.37 11.63%

District $ 22,348,256.24 26.95%

Total $ 82,926,402.96 100%

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COMBINED BUDGETED FUNDS—REVENUE

General Fund finances general maintenance and operational costs, instructional costs (except for supplemental grant monies), voted levy in equalized range and is a budgeted fund. PURPOSE—This fund is used for the instructional programs and general operations of the school district. Budget Limits are established per MCA 20-9-308. VOTING REQUIREMENTS—Voter approval is necessary for a district to increase Over-BASE taxes from the prior year (MCA 20-9-308 and 20-9-353).

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GENERAL FUND - 01

General Fund

Year Elementary High School Total

2000‐01 $32,696,784 $17,781,376 $50,478,160

2001‐02 $32,879,118 $17,870,769 $50,749,887

2002‐03 $33,311,847 $18,510,995 $51,822,842

2003‐04 $33,338,743 $18,635,995 $51,974,738

2004‐05 $33,338,743 $19,111,995 $52,450,738

2005‐06 $34,768,901 $19,611,995 $54,380,896

2006‐07 $35,751,871 $20,543,161 $56,295,032

2007‐08 $37,916,871 $22,020,523 $59,937,394

2008‐09 $38,291,930 $22,141,889 $60,433,819

2009‐10 $39,494,246 $22,778,765 $62,273,011

2010‐11 $40,688,708 $23,214,809 $63,903,517

2011‐12 $40,550,000 $22,005,500 $62,555,500

2012‐13 $41,768,780 $21,918,253 $63,687,033

2013‐14 $42,869,157 $21,822,408 $64,691,564

2014‐15 $44,930,778 $22,470,047 $67,400,825

$0

$20,000,000

$40,000,000

$60,000,000

$80,000,000

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2014-15 GENERAL FUND BUDGET

* Numbers are rounded to nearest whole dollar. + Additional funding component added by the legislation in 2013. Not spendable by the District. Used to support smarter balanced assessments provided by the state.

TREND DATA

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TREND DATA

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GENERAL FUND BUDGET TREND DATA

All Budgeted Funds Unreserved Fund Balance Reappropriated


2005‐06 $2,241,091 $399,685 $2,640,777 2006‐07 $2,454,160 $637,453 $3,091,613

2007‐08 $1,773,418 $449,800 $2,223,218

2008‐09 $2,426,918 $602,112 $3,029,030

2009‐10 $3,182,653 $1,185,475 $4,368,127

2010‐11 $2,911,018 $1,136,539 $4,047,557

2011‐12 $1,644,674 $803,677 $2,448,351

2012‐13 $1,476,457 $733,899 $2,210,356

2013‐14 $1,429,746 $784,073 $2,213,819

2014‐15 $1,892,426 $613,501 $2,505,927

$0

$500,000

$1,000,000

$1,500,000

$2,000,000

$2,500,000

$3,000,000

$3,500,000

Elementary

High School

Great Falls Public Schools Levy Request Information

For the 2014-15 School Year

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Budget Report- 01 General Fund FY2014-15

07 Cascade

PART I. CERTIFIED BUDGET DATA ANB BY Budget Unit: E1 Great Falls K‐6 5,871

M1 Great Falls 7‐8 1,538

* indicates that the 3 year average ANB was used to calcu‐late the budget limita ons Great Falls 9‐12 3,091

Elementary High School Total

A Direct State Aid (I‐A) 17,928,654.70 9,044,073.45 26,972,728.15

B Mandatory Non‐Isolated (I‐B) 0.00 0.00 0.00

C Quality Educator (I‐C) 1,754,360.95 713,437.22 2,467,798.17

D At Risk Student (I‐D) 258,920.12 84,816.12 343,736.24

E Indian Educa on For All (I‐E) 151,143.60 63,056.40 214,200.00

F American Indian Achievement Gap (I‐F) 209,800.00 74,600.00 284,400.00

G Data For Achievement (I‐G) 111,135.00 46,365.00 157,500.00

H State Spec Ed Allowable Cost Pymt to Districts (I‐H) 1,504,027.00 627,473.00 2,131,500.00

I State Special Educa on Related‐ Services Pymt to Coop (I‐I) 0.00 0.00

J District GTB Subsidy Per Elementary Base Mill (I‐J) 200,552.00 N/A 200,552.00

K District GTB Subsidy Per High School Base Mill (I‐K) N/A 172,873.00 172,873.00

PART II. GENERAL FUND BUDGET LIMITS


Prior Year Budget Data:

A ANB (II‐A) 7,385 3,110 10,495

B BASE Budget Limit (II‐B) 35,837,289.39 17,792,172.21 53,629,46.16

C Maximum Budget Limit (II‐C) 44,409,237.02 22,142,349.28 66,551,586.30

D Over‐BASE Levy As Submi ed on Budget (II‐D) 7,015,767.25 4,002,480.49 11,018,247.74

E Adopted Budget (II‐E) 42,869,156.64 21,822,407.70 64,691,564.34

Current Year Budget Data:

F % Special Educa on in Maximum Budget (II‐F) 100% 100%

G BASE Budget (Minimum Budget Amount Re‐quired) (II‐G) 36,678,075.23 18,046,998.14 54,725,073.37

H Maximum Budget Limit (II‐H) 45,602,260.87 22,470,047.24 68,072,308.11

I Highest Budget Without a Vote (II‐I) 43,708,569.78 22,073,279.99 65,781,849.77

J Highest Budget (II‐J) 45,602,260.87 22,470,047.24 68,072,308.11

K Highest Voted Amount (II‐K) 1,893,691.09 396,767.25 2,290,458.34

L Amount Approved on Ballot by Voters (II‐L) 1,222,209.29 421,948.71 1,644,158.00

M Adopted Budget (II‐M) 44,930,778.30 22,470,047.00 67,400,825.30

PART III. GENERAL FUND BALANCES FOR BUDGET AS OF JUNE 30


A Opera ng Reserve (III‐A) 4,069,498.89 2,082,028.80 6,151,527.69

B Excess Reserves (III‐B) 0.00 0.00 0.00

1. Reserve for Protested/Delinquent Taxes (963) (III‐B1) 0.00 0.00 0.00

2. Reserve for Tax Audit Receipts (964) (III‐B2) 0.00 0.00 0.00

C Unreserved Fund Balance Reappropriated (970) (III‐C) 0.00 0.00 0.00

1. Prior Year Excess Reserves Funding Over‐BASE (970a) (III‐C1) 0.00 0.00 0.00

2. Remaining Fund Balance Available (970B) (III‐C2) 0.00 0.00 0.00

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20


07 Cascade 0098 Great Falls Elem/ 0099 Great Falls High School

PART V. GENERAL FUND WORKSHEET


D TOTAL GENERAL FUND BALANCE FOR BUDGET (TFS48) (III‐D) 4,069,498.89 2,082,028,80 6,151,527.69

General Fund Budget

A Adopted General Fund Budget (V‐A) 44,930,778.30 22,470,047.00 67,400,825.30

1. BASE Budget Limit (V‐A1) 36,678,075.23 18,046,998.14 54,725,073.37

2. Over‐BASE Budget (V‐A2) 8,252,703.07 4,423,048.86 12,675,751.93

Funding the BASE Budget

B Direct State Aid (V‐B) 17,928,654.70 9,044,073.45 26,972,728.15

1. Direct State Aid Paid By State (V‐B1) 17,928,654.70 9,044,073.45 26,972,728,15

2. Direct State Aid Paid By Non‐Isolated District (V‐B2) 0.00 0.00 0.00

C Natural Resource Development (V‐C) 127,762.53 64,449.55 192,212.08

D Quality Educator (V‐D) 1,754,360.95 713,437.22 2,467,798.17

E At Risk Student (V‐E) 258,920.12 84,816.12 343,736.24

F Indian Educa on For All (V‐F) 151,143.60 63,056.40 214,200.00

G American Indian Achievement Gap (V‐G) 209,800.00 74,600.00 284,400.00

H Data For Achievement (V‐H) 111.135.00 46,365.00 157,500.00

I Special Educa on Allowable Cost Payment (V‐I) 1,504,027.00 627,473.00 2,131,500.00

J Remaining Fund Balance Available (V‐J) 0.00 0.00 0.00

K Non‐Levy Revenue (V‐K) 1,981,912.99 902,495.14 2,884,408.13

1. Actual Non‐Levy Revenue (V‐K1) 4,359.63 8,426.96 12,786.59

2. An cipated Non‐Levy Revenue (V‐K2) 1,977,553.36 894,068.18 2,871,621.54

L Other Non‐Levy Revenue (V‐L) 0.00 0.00 0.00

M BASE Levy Requirements (V‐M) 12,650,358.34 6,426,232.26 19,076,590.60

1. State Guaranteed Tax Base Aid (V‐M1) 8,156,449.84 3,875,812.66 12,032,262.50

2. *District Property Tax Levy To Fund BASE (BASE Levy) (V‐M2) 4,493,908.50 2,550,419.60 7,044,328.10

N Subtotal of BASE Budget Revenue (V‐N) 36,678,075.23 18,046,998.14 54,725,073.37

Funding the Over‐BASE Budget

O Fund Balance & Non‐Levy Revenue Available to Fund Over‐BASE

(V‐O) 0.00 0.00 0.00

P Over‐BASE Only Revenues (V‐P) 14,727.30 23,801.36 38,528.66

1. Prior Year Excess Reserves Reappropriated (Over‐BASE Levy)

(V‐P1) 0.00 0.00 0.00

2. Tui on (V‐P2) 14,727.30 23,801.36 38,528.66

3. Flexible Non‐Voted Levy Authority Transferred from Other Non‐Levy Funds

(V‐P3) 0.00 0.00 0.00

4. Oil & Gas Revenues (V‐P4) 0.00 0.00 0.00

Q District Property Tax Levy to Fund Over‐BASE Budget (Over‐BASE Levy)

(V‐Q)

8,237,975.77 4,399,247.50 12,637,223.27

R Subtotal of Over‐BASE Revenue (V‐R) 8,252,703.07 4,423,048.86 12,675,751.93

Mill Levies

S District Non‐Isolated Mills (V‐S) 0.00 0.00 0.00

T BASE Mills‐ Elementary (V‐T) 40.67 0.00 40.67

U BASE Mills‐ High School (V‐U) 0.00 22.42 22.42

21




V Over‐BASE Mills (V‐V) 74.55 38.69 113.24

1. District Property Tax Levy Mills (V‐V1) 74.55 38.69 113.24

2. Flexible Non‐Voted Levy Authority (V‐V2) 0.00 0.00 0.00

W Total General Fund Mills (V‐W) 115.22 61.11 176.33

Adopted Budget 0001 44,930,778.30 22,470,047.00 67,400,825.30

Budget Uses

Expenditure Budget 0002 44,930,778.30 22,470,047.00 67,400,825.30

Add to Fund Balance 0003 0.00 0.00 0.00

Es mated Funding Sources

Unreserved Fund Balance Reappropriated 0970 0.00 0.00 0.00

Direct State Aid 3110 17,928,654.70 9,044,073.45 26,972,728.15

Quality Educator 3111 1,754,360.95 713,437.22 2,467,78.18

At Risk Student 3112 258,920.12 84,816.12 343,736.24

Indian Educa on For All 3113 151,143.60 63,056.40 214,200.00

American Indian Achievement Gap 3114 209,800.00 74,600.00 284,400.00

State Spec Ed Allowable Cost Pymt to Districts 3115 1,504,027.00 627,473.00 2,131,500.00

Data For Achievement 3116 111,135.00 46,365.00 157,500.00

Natural Resource Development 3118 127,762.53 64,449.55 192,212.08

State Guaranteed Tax Base Aid 3120 8,156,449.84 3,875,812.66 12,032,262.50

Actual Non‐Levy Revenue

Tax Title and Property sales 1130 0.00 0.00 0.00

Interest Earnings 1510 4,359.63 2,208.79 6,568.42

Revenue from Community Services Ac vi es 1800 0.00 0.00 0.00

Other Revenue from Local Sources 1900 0.00 32.36 32.36

Rentals 1910 0.00 0.00 0.00

Contribu ons/Dona ons from Private Sources 1920 0.00 0.00 0.00

Textbook Sales and Rentals 1940 0.00 0.00 0.00

Fees‐ Users/Resale of Supplies 1945 0.00 0.00 0.00

Services Provided Other School Districts or Coops 1950 0.00 0.00 0.00

Services Provided Other Local Governmental Units 1960 0.00 0.00 0.00

Summer School Fees 1981 0.00 6,185.81 6,185.81

State Payment in Lieu of Taxes‐ FWP 3302 0.00 0.00 0.00

An cipated Non‐Levy Revenue‐ BASE

Oil & Gas Revenues ‐ BASE Budget 0171 0.00 0.00 0.00

Coal Gross Proceeds 1123 0.00 0.00 0.00

State School Block Grant 3444 1,855,909.99 826,381.36 2,682,291.35

State Combined Fund School Block Grant 3445 0.00 0.00 0.00

SB96 Block Grant Reimbursement 3446 121,643.37 67,686.82 189,330.19

SB96 Combined Block Grant Reimbursement 3447 0.00 0.00 0.00

Federal Revenue in Lieu of Taxes 4800 0.00 0.00 0.00

22



An cipated Non‐Levy Revenue‐ Over‐BASE Elementary High School Total

Oil & Gas Revenues ‐ OverBASE Budget 0172 0.00 0.00 0.00

Individual Tui on 1310 14,727.30 23,801.36 38,528.66

Tui on from School Dists Within State 1320 0.00 0.00 0.00

Tui on from School Dists Outside State 1330 0.00 0.00 0.00

State Tui on for State Placement 3117 0.00 0.00 0.00

Other Non‐Levy Revenue

District Levy‐ Distn of Pr Yr's Prot/Dlq Taxes 1117 0.00 0.00 0.00

District Levy‐ Dept of Rev Tax Audit Receipts 1118 0.00 0.00 0.00

Penal es and Interest on Taxes 1190 0.00 0.00 0.00

Other Revenue 9100 0.00 0.00 0.00

Residual Equity Transfers In 9710 0.00 0.00 0.00

Levies

Mandatory Non‐isolated Levy 1110(a) 0.00 0.00 0.00

BASE Levy 1110(b) 4,493,908.50 2,550,419.60 7,044,328.10

Over‐BASE Levy 1110 (c) 8,237,975.77 4,399,247.50 12,637,223.27

District Tax Levy 1110 12,731,884.27 6,949,667.10 19,681,551.37

Total Es mated Revenues to Fund Adopted Budget 0004 44,930,778.30 22,470,047.00 67,400,825.30

Es mated Revenues Exceeding Adopted Budget 0004a 0.00 0.00 0.00

The transportation fund is to transport students to and from home and school. Established to finance the operation of a program (20-10-101, MCA). PURPOSE—The transportation fund can be used to support the costs of transporting students between home and school, including: costs of yellow school bus purchase, repair, maintenance and operations; safety activities related to bus driver training, crosswalk attendants, etc.; bus storage facilities and maintenance; and payments to parents for individual transportation contracts. bus service contracts Costs of field trips, travel costs related to extracurricular activities and athletics, and staff travel costs are NOT ALLOWABLE costs of the fund. Reimbursements are based on eligible transportee (a student who resides at least 3 miles from the nearest school), bus route miles and rated capacity of the bus, non-bus miles, individual transportation contracts. OPI pays state reimbursement on: Sept. 1—50% of previous year’s state reimbursement By March 31—1st semester reimbursement less amount paid on Sept. 1 By June 30—Remaining owed for 1st and 2nd semesters County pays county reimbursement after receiving the state payment report, usually in March/April and June. State funding is paid based on semi-annual claims to OPI in February for first semester and in May for second semester. The state will pay up to the lesser of the state fund-ing calculated on the budget or one-half (1/2) of the total fund budget. The state pays the district for first semester in March and for second semester in June. At the same time, the county directs the county treasurer to pay the district the county’s portion of the funding (MCA 20-10-146). VOTING REQUIREMENTS—The transportation fund tax levy is permissive. Consequently, it is not subject to voter approval. Reserve Limit 20% of ensuing year’s budget. Reappropriated amounts are applied first to reduce the local tax levy, then county reimburse-ment, then state reimbursement.

23

TRANSPORTATION FUND – 10

Transporta on Year Elementary High School Total

2000‐01 $1,135,714 $494,366 $1,630,080 2001‐02 $1,184,184 $513,374 $1,697,558 2002‐03 $1,224,746 $528,943 $1,753,689

2003‐04 $1,252,674 $538,483 $1,791,157 2004‐05 $1,279,132 $548,453 $1,827,585 2005‐06 $1,309,282 $558,516 $1,867,798 2006‐07 $1,361,790 $599,230 $1,961,020 2007‐08 $1,689,470 $725,050 $2,414,520 2008‐09 $1,892,703 $773,957 $2,666,660 2009‐10 $1,949,485 $797,175 $2,746,660 2010‐11 $1,999,857 $817,368 $2,817,225 2011‐12 $2,070,300 $898,800 $2,969,100 2012‐13 $2,692,990 $831,713 $3,524,703

2013‐14 $2,781,340 $831,214 $3,612,554 2014‐15 $2,781,340 $831,214 $3,612,554

$0

$1,000,000

$2,000,000

$3,000,000

$4,000,000

24

Budget Report– 10 Transportation Fund FY2014-15



Adopted Budget 0001 2,781,340.00 831,214.00 3,612,554.00

Budget Uses

Expenditure Budget 0002 2,781,340.00 831,214.00 3,612,554.00


Transporta on Schedule Data

On‐Schedule 0005 635,800.70 105,125.44 740,926.14

Con ngency 0006 63,580.07 10,512.54 74,092.61

Over‐Schedule 0011 2,081,959.23 715,576.02 2,797,535.25

Fund Balance for Budget TFS48 1,208637.43 456,632.58 1,665,270.01

Opera ng Reserve 961 556,268.00 166,242.80 722,510.80

Unreserved Fund Balance Reappropriated 970 652,369.43 293,389.78 918,759.21



Individual Transporta on Fees 1410 0.00 0.00 0.00

Trans Fees from Other School Districts Within State 1420 0.00 0.00 0.00

Trans Fees from Other School Districts Outside State 1430 0.00 0.00 0.00

Other Transporta on Fees 1440 0.00 0.00 0.00

Interest Earnings 1510 0.00 0.00 0.00

Other Revenue From Local Sources 1900 0.00 0.00 0.00

State Tui on for State Placement 3117 0.00 0.00 0.00


State School Block Grant 3444 80,755.83 36,771.52 117,527.35

SB96 Block Grant Reimbursement 3446 17,225.60 3,872.51 21,098.11

Montana Oil and Gas Tax 3460 0.00 0.00 0.00

Other Revenue 9100 0.00 0.00 0.00


Reimbursements

County On‐Schedule Trans Reimb 2220 349,690.38 57,818.99 407,509.37

State On‐Schedule Trans Reimb 3210 349,690.39 57,818.99 407,509.37

District Tax Levy 1110 1,331,608.37 381,542.21 1,813,150.58

District Mills 999 12.05 3.36 15.41

Total Es mated Revenues to Fund Adopted Budget 0004 2,781,340.00 831,214.00 3,612,554.00



PURPOSE—This fund is used to finance tuition costs for elementary and high school students who attend school outside their district of residence and for the actual cost of services for an in-district student with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Effective July 1, 2013 a district may include in its tuition levy an amount necessary to pay for the full costs of providing FAPE (free and appropriate public education) to, any child with a disability who lives in the district, and amount of the levy imposed is limited to the actual cost of service under each child’s IEP, less applicable state and federal special education funding. LEVY CALCULATION - Actual cost of service(s) under the child’s IEP minus: The student’s state special education payment The student’s federal special education payment The student’s per ANB amount The prorated portion of the district’s basic entitlement for each qualifying student The prorated portion of the district’s general fund payments (Quality Educator, At-Risk, Indian Education for All, and American

Indian Achievement Gap) Under 41-5-1807 MCA, Tuition is for students detained in youth detention centers for more than nine consecutive days, the county where the detention center is located may charge the student’s district of residence $20/day. Invoices are sent by June 30. District must pay by July 15. Reserve Limit: None Fund balance is re-appropriated to support the ensuing year’s budget.

25

TUITION FUND – 13

Tui on


2013‐14 $0 $0 $0

2014‐15 176,782 16,686 193,687

$0

$100,000

$200,000

$300,000

$400,000

$500,000

2013‐14 2014‐15

26

Budget Report– 14 Tuition Fund FY2014-15



Adopted Budget 0001 176,782.11 16,686.41 193,468.52

Budget Uses

Expenditure Budget 0002 176,782.11 16,686.41 193,468.52


Fund Balance for Budget TFS48 0.00 0.00 0.00




Other Revenue from Local sources 1900 0.00 0.00 0.00

Direct State Aid 3110 0.00 0.00 0.00

State Payment in Lieu of Taxes—FWP 3302 0.00 0.00 0.00




Other Revenue 9100 0.00 0.00 0.00


District Tax Levy 1110 176,782.11 16,686.41 193,468.52

District Mills 999 1.60 .15 1.75

Total Es mate Revenues to Fund Adopted Budget 0004 176,782.11 16,686.41 193,468.52

Es amtaed Revenues Exceeding Adopted Budget 0004a 0.00 0.00 0.00


The Retirement Fund is used to pay the school district’s share of specific employer contributions, including social security and Medicare taxes, Teacher’s Retirement System (TRS) and Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) contributions, and state unemployment insurance. It is funded by the county-wide retirement levy. Senate Bill 424, enacted by the 2003 Montana Legislature and signed into law by the Governor, requires school districts to use federal funds for employer contributions to the retirement, federal social security and unemployment insurance systems for all employees whose salaries are paid from a federal fund-ing source, excluding Impact Aid and school foods. PURPOSE—This fund is used to pay the employer contributions to the Teachers’ Retirement System, Public Employees’ Retirement System, unemployment insurance, social security and Medicare for the following: 1) A district employee whose salary and health-related benefits, if any, are paid from state or local funding sources; 2) A cooperative employee whose salary and health-related benefits, if any, are paid from the cooperative’s interlocal

agreement fund if the fund is supported solely from district’s general funds and state special education allowable cost payments (or are paid from the miscellaneous programs fund from money received from the Medicaid program);

3) A district employee whose salary and health-related benefits, if any, are paid from the district’s school food services fund;

4) A district employee whose salary and health-related benefits, if any, are provided to the employee, are paid from the district Impact Aid fund. The fund CANNOT be used to pay: 1) retirement incentives; 2) any portion of a retirement fund contribution on behalf of an employee (i.e., only the employer’s contributions can be paid from the fund; or 3) any amount paid to an employee directly (i.e., only payments to TRS, PERS, FICA, and unemployment insurance carriers are allowable). (MCA 20-9-501) BUDGET—In order for the county to accurately determine the levy, districts must submit a list of all employment positions and their salaries to the county superintendent when submitting the adopted budget. (MCA 20-9-132) FUNDING—District non-levy revenue and Fund Balance reappropriated reduces the county retirement distribution requirement. The county retirement distribution is funded by countywide levy, county oil and gas taxes, county coal gross proceeds taxes, county school retirement fund block grant (20-0-631, MCA), and Guaranteed Tax Base Aid if the county retirement mill value per ANB is less than the statewide mill value per ANB. RESERVES—An operating reserve of up to 20% of the ensuing year’s budget is permitted. This percentage was reduced from 35% during the 2013 legislation session. Shortfalls in the retirement fund can present significant problems to both the District and County.

27

RETIREMENT FUND – 14

Re rement

Year Elementary High School Total 2000‐01 $4,283,564 $2,201,146 $6,484,710 2001‐02 $4,183,515 $2,193,122 $6,376,637 2002‐03 $4,162,586 $2,225,927 $6,388,513 2003‐04 $4,277,213 $2,224,916 $6,502,129 2004‐05 $4,282,800 $2,240,297 $6,523,097 2005‐06 $4,244,000 $2,270,175 $6,514,175 2006‐07 $4,397,426 $2,434,103 $6,831,529 2007‐08 $4,485,375 $2,651,476 $7,136,851 2008‐09 $5,063,308 $2,728,893 $7,792,201 2009‐10 $5,200,000 $2,800,000 $8,000,000 2010‐11 $5,253,938 $2,811,751 $8,065,689 2011‐12 $5,427,826 $2,845,000 $8,272,826 2012‐13 $5,617,800 $2,944,575 $8,562,375

2013‐14 $5,700,000 $3,000,000 $8,700,000 2014‐15 $6,000,001 $3,240,000 $9,240,000

$0

$2,000,000

$4,000,000

$6,000,000

$8,000,000

$10,000,000

2003

‐04

2004

‐05

2005

‐06

2006

‐07

2007

‐08

2008

‐09

2009

‐10

2010

‐11

2011

‐12

2012

‐13

2013

‐14

2014

‐15

28

Budget Report– 14 Retirement Fund FY2014-15



Adopted Budget 0001 6,000,000.00 3,240,000.00 9,240,000.00

Budget Uses

Expenditure Budget 0002 6,000,000.00 3,240,000.00 9,240,000.00


Fund Balance for Budget TFS48 770,025.89 600,546.24 1,370,572.13

Opera ng Reserve 0961 770,025.89 600,546.24 1,370,572.13




Other Revenue from Local sources 1900 0.00 0.00 0.00

Other Revenue 9100 0.00 0.00 0.00


County Re rement Distribu on 2240 6,000,000.00 3,240,000.00 9,240,000.00

Total Es mated Revenues to Fund Adopted Budget 0004 6,000,000.00 3,240,000.00 9,240,000.00


State law authorizes districts to establish an adult education program (MCA 20-7-702). The program may provide any area of instruction approved by the trustees, including basic and secondary general education and vocational/technical education. Revenue sources for this fund are fund balance re-appropriated, non-levy revenue (including student fees) and a non-voted district tax levy. PURPOSE—A district that operates an adult education program must use this fund. Taxes levied for support of the adult education program and student fees for adult education are deposited in this fund pursuant to MCA 20-7-705. VOTING REQUIREMENTS—Tax levies are permissive. No voter approval is re-quired for this fund.

29

ADULT EDUCATION FUND – 17

Adult Educa on Year Elementary High School Total

2002‐03 $141,625 $178,253 $319,878 2003‐04 $143,605 $170,372 $313,977 2004‐05 $146,856 $171,722 $318,578 2005‐06 $146,175 $170,170 $316,345 2006‐07 $151,535 $184,775 $336,310 2007‐08 $162,330 $185,225 $347,555 2008‐09 $212,330 $244,652 $456,982 2009‐10 $297,204 $300,000 $597,204 2010‐11 $306,679 $348,515 $655,194 2011‐12 $310,782 $348,515 $659,297

2012‐13 $305,098 $322,325 $627,423

2013‐14 $280,750 $346,325 $627,075

2014‐15 $290,000 $345,625 $635,625

$0$100,000$200,000$300,000$400,000$500,000$600,000$700,000

2002

‐03

2003

‐04

2004

‐05

2005

‐06

2006

‐07

2007

‐08

2008

‐09

2009

‐10

2010

‐11

2011

‐12

2012

‐13

2013

‐14

2014

‐15

30

Budget Report– 17 Adult Education Fund FY2014-15



Adopted Budget 0001 290,000.00 345,625.00 635,625.00

Budget Uses



Fund Balance for Budget TFS48 181,136.29 130,902.94 312,039.23

Opera ng Reserve 0961 101,500.00 110,000.00 211,500.00




Fees for Adult Educa on 1340 0.00 0.00 0.00






Other Revenue 9100 0.00 0.00 0.00



District Mills 999 1.98 2.86 4.84

Total Es mated Revenues to Fund Adopted Budget 0004 290,000.00 345,625.00 635,625.00


SB96 Comgined Block Grant Reimbursement 3447 0.00 0.00

The Technology Fund is used for the purchase, rental, repair and maintenance of technology equipment and computer network access, associated tech-nical training for school district personnel, cloud computing services, including any subscription or any license-based or pay-per-use service that is ac-cessed over the internet or other remote network to meet the district’s information technology and other needs. It is funded by state technology grant, fund balance re-appropriated, non-levy revenues, state, federal and private grants or donations that will be spent in the budget year, and a district tax levy. The district tax levy is limited to 20% of the cost of the computer equipment and computer network access, not to exceed 150% of the cost over time. Our district collects $150,000 for Elementary District and $75,000 for High School District per year. The district’s voters must approve any increase in taxes from the previous year. The 2013 legislature made changes to Technology Fund levies as indicated by the information below: PURPOSE—This fund is used for: 1) Purchasing, renting, repairing or maintaining technology equipment and computer network access using the State

Technology Grant (“Timber Money”) under MCA 20-9-534 and associated tax levies under MCA 20-9-533; and 2) State, Federal and private grants and donations received for the purpose of funding technology or technology-

associated training.

Employer contributions for Social Security, Medicare, TRS, PERS, and unemployment insurance may not be paid from this fund. Reserves limit = none Reappropriate all fund balance to support the ensuing year’s budget.

31

TECHNOLOGY FUND – 28

Technology


2002‐03 $154,835 $76,000 $230,835

2003‐04 $305,677 $122,000 $427,677

2004‐05 $574,500 $282,000 $856,500

2005‐06 $576,000 $354,000 $930,000

2006‐07 $622,500 $406,500 $1,029,000

2007‐08 $615,947 $290,000 $905,947

2008‐09 $749,400 $338,250 $1,087,650

2009‐10 $802,650 $241,430 $1,044,080

2010‐11 $801,347 $280,000 $1,081,347

2011‐12 $813,816 $431,311 $1,245,127

2012‐13 $813,816 $429,885 $1,243,701

2013‐14 $727,378 $422,968 $1,150,346

2014‐15 $852,681 $372,277 $954,958

Levies approved prior to July 1, 2013 Can be permanent or durational Annual levy cannot exceed 20% of the original cost of equipment

owned by the district Amount levied over time cannot exceed 150% of the original cost

of the equipment $$ can be used for equipment, network access and training of

school personnel

Levies approved after July 1, 2013 May not exceed 10 years Can be based on all allowable costs listed in the statute (equipment,

cloud storage, training, etc.) Districts with an existing perpetual levy can

Ask for an increase in the amount of the levy to cover cloud computing and training, and/or

Seek relief from tracking depreciation under existing levy Can propose a duration for each, not to exceed 10 years

$0$200,000$400,000$600,000$800,000

$1,000,000$1,200,000$1,400,000

32

Budget Report– 28 Technology Fund FY2014-15



Adopted Budget 0001 852,681.09 372,276.56 954,957.65

Budget Uses




Opera ng Reserve 0961 0.00 0.00 0.00






State Technology Aid 3281 42,677.68 20,999.03 63,676.71


State combined Fund School Block Grant 3445 0.00 0.00 0.00


Other Revenue 9100 0.00 0.00 0.00



District Mills 999 1.36 .66 1.98




33

FLEXIBILITY FUND – 29

This fund was created by legislative action in 2001 (20-9-543 MCA). Its intent was to provide schools one-time only source of funding which could be used for its own unique circumstances. Under 20-9-544 MCA, the trustees have the option of submitting to the qualified electors of the district to approve a levy in an amount not to exceed 25% of the district’s original allocation. If there is no state payment, there can be no levy.

PURPOSE—This fund is used for:

Technology

Facility/equipment expansion

Student assessment and evaluation

Curriculum development

Training for classroom staff to support delivery of education programs

Classroom teacher housing

Retention of certified staff

Increased energy costs caused by increases since 2001

Reserve limit = none The fund balance is reappropriated to support the ensuing year’s budget. Beginning July 1, 2020 fund balance limit is 150% of the Maximum General Fund budget. Excess must be remitted to the state.

Flexibility

Year Elementary High School Total 2002‐03 $222,115 $75,000 $297,115 2003‐04 $222,115 $75,000 $297,115 2004‐05 $232,856 $79,903 $312,759 2005‐06 $244,949 $85,350 $330,299 2006‐07 $260,000 $98,000 $358,000 2007‐08 $283,200 $109,385 $392,585 2008‐09 $300,000 $115,000 $415,000 2009‐10 $317,271 $118,100 $435,371 2010‐11 $324,250 $120,500 $444,750 2011‐12 $337,787 $130,148 $467,935 2012‐13 $383,494 $154,326 $537,820 2013‐14 $341,860 $153,306 $495,166 2014‐15 $306,653 $13,608 $320,261

$0

$100,000

$200,000

$300,000

$400,000

$500,000

$600,000

34

Budget Report– 29 Flexibility Fund FY2014-15



Adopted Budget 0001 306,653.25 13,607.50 320,260.75

Budget Uses




Opera ng Reserve 0961 0.00 0.00 0.00







State combined Fund School Block Grant 3445 0.00 0.00 0.00


Other Revenue 9100 0.00 0.00 0.00


District Mills 999 0.00 0.00 0.00



5B 96 combined Block Grant reimbursement 3447 3,870.79 4,165.88 8,036.67

The Debt Service Fund (20-9-438 MCA) is used to budget and pay for a school district’s bond debt, including principal and inter-est payments and agent fees, and/or special improvement district payments (SIDs). State equalization aid (known as state reim-bursement for school facilities) is available to school districts that have a district mill value per ANB that is less than the corre-sponding statewide mill value per ANB. Debt Service Fund revenues also include fund balance re-appropriated, and non-levy revenue. PURPOSE—This fund is used to pay debt service payments for principal and interest on bonds or Special Improvement Districts (SIDs). The expenditure budget of the fund should include both principal and interest payments due on bonds for each fiscal year of the bond term. OPI recommends a district budget and pay the obligations due 1/1 and 7/1 in each budget year.

35

DEBT SERVICE FUND – 50

Debt Service


2000‐01 $3,545 $652,663 $656,208

2001‐02 $3,545 $1,209,422 $1,212,967

2002‐03 $3,545 $563,400 $566,945

2003‐04 $0 $562,745 $562,745

2004‐05 $0 $565,745 $565,745

2005‐06 $0 $561,068 $561,068

2006‐07 $0 $564,530 $564,530

2007‐08 $0 $0 $0

2008‐09 $0 $31,309 $31,309

2009‐10 $0 $0 $0

2010‐11 $0 $179 $179

2011‐12 $0 $194 $194

2012‐13 $0 $908 $908

2013‐14 $0 $914 $914

2014‐15 $0 $1,110 $1,110

$0

$200,000

$400,000

$600,000

$800,000

$1,000,000

$1,200,000

$1,400,000

2000

‐01

2001

‐02

2002

‐03

2003

‐04

2004

‐05

2005

‐06

2006

‐07

2007

‐08

2008

‐09

2009

‐10

2010

‐11

2011

‐12

2012

‐13

2013

‐14

2014

‐15

36

Budget Report– 50 Debt Service Fund FY2014-15



Taxable Value 113,696,225.00 113,696,225.00

Adopted Budget 0001 0.00 1,110.24 1,110.24

Budget Uses

Expenditure Budget 0002 1,110.24 1,110.24

Add to Fund Balance 0003 0.00 0.00

Fund Balance for Budget TFS48 1,110.24 1,110.24

Fund Balance in Sinking Fund 0960 0.00 0.00

Opera ng Reserve 0961 0.00 0.00

Unreserved Fund Balance Reappropriated 0970 1,110.24 1,110.24


Coal Gross Proceeds 1123 0.00 0.00

Interest Earnings 1510 0.00 0.00

Other Revenue from Local Sources 1900 0.00 0.00

State Payment in Lieu of Taxes‐ FWP 3302 0.00 0.00

State combined Fund School Block Grant 3445 0.00 0.00

Montana Oil and Gas Tax 3460 0.00 0.00

Other Revenue 9100 0.00 0.00

Residual Equity Transfers In 9710 0.00 0.00

District Tax Levy 1110 0.00 0.00

Jurisdic on Mills 999 0.00 0.00

Total Es mated Revenues to Fund Adopted Budget 0004 1,110.24 1,110.24

Es mated Revenues Exceeding Adopted Budget 0004a 0.00 0.00

SIDS

Issue Type:

High School 1,110.24

Total SID Requirements 1,110.24

Total Debt Service Requirements 0002 1,110.24

PURPOSE—This fund accumulates funding for the future construction, and equipping or enlarging of school buildings, or for the pur-pose of purchasing land needed for school purposes, on authority of a voted levy. The funds also can be used for transition costs re-lated to opening or closing a school or replacing a school building or to repay an intercap loan. MCA 20-9-502 LEVY LIMITS AND VOTING REQUIREMENTS—Tax levies are limited by the building reserve election(s): For a “regular” building reserve project, the annual tax levy is

limited to the total authorized by the vote, divided by the numbers of years authorized.

For a “transition” building reserve project, the election may propose up to 5% of the district’s current year maximum general fund budget or $250 per ANB (MCA 20-9-502). The levy for the year may be reduced, but is not required to be reduced, by estimating non-levy revenues.

In the last legislative session Senate Bill 348, which dealt with School Safety allows transfers from any budgeted or non-budgeted fund (except Retirement and Debt Service) to Building Reserve.

FY2013, FY2014, FY2015 ONLY - Funds transferred from other funds for SB348 School Safety purposes must be spent on: Planning for improvements to school safety Installing or updating locking mechanisms and ingress and egress systems at public school access points Installing or updating bullet-resistant windows and barriers Installing or updating emergency response systems Unspent funds remaining as of June 30, 2015 must be transferred back to the originating fund. A building reserve tax authorization may not exceed 20 years for most purposes. The tax authorization for transitional costs may not exceed six (6) years. Transitional costs associated with creating a K-12 district may not exceed three (3) years. Reserve limit - None Fund balance is reappropriated to fund the ensuing year’s budget.

37

BUILDING RESERVE FUND – 61

Building Reserve


2002‐03 $2,694,597 $110,000 $2,804,597

2003‐04 $2,040,000 $110,000 $2,150,000

2004‐05 $1,700,000 $1,453 $1,701,453

2005‐06 $1,620,000 $1,500 $1,621,500

2006‐07 $1,700,000 $1,550 $1,701,550

2007‐08 $950,000 $1,700 $951,700

2008‐09 $1,000,000 $33,000 $1,033,000

2009‐10 $500,000 $33,262 $533,262

2010‐11 $100,000 $33,150 $133,150

2011‐12 $137,511 $33,169 $170,680

2012‐13 $145,490 $5 $145,495

2013‐14 $197,840 $21,171 $219,011

2014‐15 $256,976 $41,736 $298,712

$0

$500,000

$1,000,000

$1,500,000

$2,000,000

$2,500,000

$3,000,000

38

Budget Report– 61 Building Reserve Fund FY2014-15



Adopted Budget 0001 256,976.07 41,735.67 298,711.74

Budget Uses




Opera ng Reserve 0961 0.00 0.00 0.00




Tax Title and Property Sales 1130 0.00 0.00 0.00




State Combined Fund School Block Grant 3445 59,341.63 28,246.77 87,588.40


Other Revenue 9100 0.00 0.00 0.00


Use Es mated Non‐levy Revenue to Lower Levies ? (Yes or No) No No No

District Tax Levy 1110 0.00 0.00 0.00

District Mills 999 0.00 0.00 0.00


SB96 Combined Block Grant Reimbursement 3447 0.00

Q: Does a district have to spend all the money budgeted in a school year? A: No law forces a district to spend what is budgeted and raised through the various revenue sources. However, the amount carried over from one fiscal year to another (the fund balance re-appropriated) must be applied to the local non-voted revenue area of the state funding formula. This could impact local taxation the following budgeted year. Q: What is the budget process for the other budgeted funds? A: The process for the other budgeted funds is similar to the general fund. Since these funds are established for specific purposes, the types of expendi-tures and revenue sources are varied. Tax levies in the Transportation, Bus Depreciation, Tuition, Debt Service, and Adult Education are non-voted (permissive). Voter approval is required for tax levies in the Building Reserve, Technology and Flexibility funds. Q: What is the purpose of the Transportation Fund? A: The Transportation Fund is used to pay for the costs of getting students from home to school and back. This can include the purchase of buses, building a bus barn, bus maintenance, bus driver salaries and benefits, hiring a private contractor to run the transportation program, and transportation reimbursement contracts. The state and county share in funding “on-schedule costs” that are based on bus routes and mileage contracts with parents. Additional funding is provided through fund balance re-appropriated, non-levy revenues and a district transportation fund levy. Q: What is the purpose of the Bus Depreciation Fund? A: The Bus Depreciation Fund is used to accumulate funds for bus replacement and additional school buses. Revenue may come from fund balance re-appropriated, non-levy revenues and a non-voted district tax levy. Q: What is the purpose of the Tuition Fund? A: The Tuition Fund is used in limited cases to pay tuition for a student who attends school outside his district of residence. Usually, the district pays tuition only for students the trustees have placed in another district or where geographic conditions make it impractical for the student to attend in his own district. Rates are set under MCA 20-5-323 based on 20% of the per-ANB entitlement for the year of attendance. Special education add-on rates are calculated under ARM 10.16.3818. Funding sources are fund balance re-appropriated, direct state aid (for out-of-state tuition), non-levy revenue and a non-voted district tax levy. Q: What is the purpose of the Retirement Fund? A: The Retirement Fund is used to pay the school district’s share of specific employer contributions, including social security and Medicare taxes, Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) and Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) contributions, and state unemployment insurance. It is funded by a countywide retirement levy. Senate Bill 424, enacted by the 2003 Montana Legislature and signed into law by the Governor, requires school dis-tricts to use federal funds for employer contributions to the retirement, federal social security and unemployment insurance systems for all employees whose salaries are paid from a federal funding source, excluding Impact Aid. Q: What is the purpose of the Debt Service Fund? A: The Debt Service Fund is used to budget and pay for a school district’s bond debt, including principal and interest payments and agent fees, and/or special improvement district payments (SIDs). State equalization aid (known as state reimbursement for school facilities) is available to school districts that have a district mill value per ANB that is less than the corresponding statewide mill value per ANB. Debt Service Fund revenues also include fund balance re-appropriated, non-levy revenue\and a non-voted district tax levy. Q: What is the purpose of the Adult Education Fund? A: State law authorizes districts to establish an adult education program (MCA 20-7-702). The program may provide any area of instruction approved by the trustees, including basic and secondary general education and vocation/technical education. Revenue sources for this fund are fund balance re-appropriated, non-levy revenue (including student fees) and a non-voted district tax levy. State and federal money received for an adult basic education program are accounted for in a different fund. Q: What is the purpose of the Building Reserve Fund? A: The Building Reserve Fund is used to accumulate funds for future construction, equipping or enlarging school buildings, or for purchasing land need-ed for school purposes. The fund is established upon passage of a voted levy that authorizes the levy for up to 20 years. The amount levied in one year is limited to the total authorized levy divided by the number of years authorized. Fund balance re-appropriated and non-levy revenues are also sources of funding for the Building Reserve Fund. The Building Reserve Fund can also be used to fund transition costs of opening or closing schools, based on a voted levy for up to 6 years. Q: Can a school district ask for a building reserve of any amount? A: The amount of total indebtedness of the school district cannot exceed a legal debt limit. This includes other debts the district is paying off through debt service. Q: What is the purpose of the Technology Fund? A: The Technology Fund is used for the purchase, rental, repair and maintenance of technology equipment and computer network access. It is funded by a state technology grant, fund balance re-appropriated, non levy revenues, state, federal and private grants or donations that will be spent in the budget year, and a district tax levy. The district tax levy is limited to 20% of the cost of the computer equipment and computer network access, not to exceed 150% of the cost over time. The district’s voters must approve any increase in taxes from the previous year. Q: What is the purpose of the Flexibility Fund? A: This fund is used for technology, facility expansion, student assessment and evaluation, curriculum development and other types of expenditures as described in MCA 20-9-543. It is funded by the State Flexibility Payment, non-levy revenues and an optional, annual, voted levy of up to 25% of the estimated State Flexibility Payment. Q: Do the Building Reserve, Technology and Flexibility Fund elections have to be held along with the general fund election in May? A: No. These are special elections that can be held at any time, as long as the proper election procedures are followed. In order to allow enough time for completing the election before the budget is adopted, the school district would need to hold the election no later than August 1. Source: “Understanding Montana School Finance and School District Budgets” Jan 2012 39

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SCHOOL FUNDING

great falls k-12 school district great falls public

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