Our Challenges
A growing financial gap driven by three key challenges
A 20-Year State Funding Gap: The state contributes 18.6% less toward general education than it did in 2005 (adjusted for inflation). At the same time, new mandates and rising expectations have required districts like ours to do more with significantly less support.
Below-Average Local Funding: Our district has an operating levy of $224 per student, significantly less than the $1200 state average, and no capital projects levy.
Limited Options: Like many districts, we’ve already made tough decisions to reduce spending. Following an unsuccessful referendum last year, Moorhead Area Public Schools made $4 million in budget cuts, and faces another $5 million in cuts next year without new funding.
The cuts our district made this year were mostly kept out of classrooms. However, we will not be able to avoid impacting education going forward. Major cuts year after year put high-quality education at risk.
If the November 4 levy does not pass, the district will be required to cut approximately $5 million from next year’s budget. Because reductions must be made in proportion to the size of each area of the budget, the largest cuts will fall on instruction and student support, which together make up more than two-thirds of district spending.
Reductions Framework for $5 Million in Potential Cuts
School Expenditures Based on Audit
Instruction (Regular & Special Education): An estimated $3.45 million would be reduced from this category, which makes up over 65% of the budget. It includes certified and non-certified staff (K–12 regular, special education, career and technical education, paraprofessionals, and substitutes). Reductions may result in larger class sizes, fewer electives, reduced special education support, and fewer career and technical opportunities.
Administration: About $375,000 (7%) would be reduced. This area covers expenses such as the school board, district office staff, principals, assistant principals and administrative assistants.
Instructional Support: About $348,000 (6.6%) would be reduced. It includes expenses such as technology support, staff development, and hall monitors/security.
Pupil Support: About $232,000 (4%) would be reduced. It includes media, nurses, counselors and services that support students’ academic, social and health needs.
Operations: This category is approximately 16% of the budget and covers building and grounds, custodians and all costs associated with student transportation with an estimated reduction of $839,000.
In total, this level of reduction is equal to about 44 positions districtwide and would directly affect every school and every student.
How does our district compare to others?
Our district has an operating levy of $224 per student, significantly less than the state average of about $1200, and no capital projects levy. Hover over the charts below to see individual district amounts of voter-approved referendum authority and capital projects for FY 2024-25 (dollar amounts).
Regional School Districts
Like-Sized School Districts
Source: Pay 2024 School Tax Report and MDE Pay 24 Levy Certification
