KIDS EDUCATION YES

FAQs

How Does School Funding Work?

1GFPS General Operating Fund: What Is It Really?

The general operating fund for Great Falls Public Schools is the backbone of funding for our local public school system. It makes up the vast majority of the annual budget (about 75%). By definition, it finances the general maintenance, operating and instructional costs of the district. More simply stated, it pays for what it takes to successfully educate a student and run a classroom, school and district – salaries, supplies and curriculum.

 

By state law, the general operating fund must be paid for through state and local dollars. This comes from state statute passed back in the late 1980’s, and it remains in effect today. Eighty percent (80%) of the annual general operating fund is made up of money from the state. Twenty percent (20%) must be funded through local mill levy support. This allows for local opportunity and local control.

Federal funds are not part of the general operating fund.

2What Are One-Time Only (OTO) Funds?

One-time only (OTO) funds are federal funds disseminated to states and then local jurisdictions to address specific needs. These funds are time limited and can ONLY be spent on certain things. They cannot cover the normal costs of running a school district.

 

Beginning in 2020, federal relief funds began to be provided to local school districts to address the impact of COVID on schools, teachers and students. These were received through federal bills such as the CARES Act, ESSER 2 and ESSER 3. These funds are anticipated to end in 2024. Any program or position created using these OTO funds will then have to end, or will require other sources of funding to continue.

3How Does School Funding Impact our Military Families?

Military families frequently report the quality of education available to their children is a strong indicator for which base and location they select to continue their careers.

According to the Blue Star Families Survey (2018), military child education is among the top three issues facing military families. Traveling from state to state or country to country, can leave military children feeling behind and disconnected. Coming to a community with a positive educational setting is a great asset for the students and families serving our military.

 

Additionally, strong schools prepare students to be better qualified for college, military service and meaningful careers. Funding for quality programs and appropriate funding of teachers and staff allows for GFPS to provide a quality educational experience for the families of Malmstrom Air Force Base now and into the future. 

4Could the District use reserves instead of running a levy?

GPFS reserves generally are restricted to be used for specific purposes. Having reserves prevents the district from turning to taxpayers when boilers break or enrollment spikes. Reserves also help the district earn a better interest rate when borrowing money for the building improvements. Reserves can be thought of as a savings account for times of emergency or immediate needs. Once spent, reserves are also then depleted. They cannot be relied upon for the continuous, ongoing annual needs of running a school district.

5Could the District sell unused property to cover costs?

Selling property is a one-time fix for ongoing costs. The amount of funds that might be obtained by selling property would not be sufficient to cover the annual, ongoing costs to run a school district.

6Do School Closures Result in Reduced School Costs?

The short answer is no, costs are not significantly decreased because schools are closed. Even if a school building has to be temporarily closed, staff is still expected to provide for the ongoing education, nutrition and emotional/mental health of over 10,000 students for GFPS. The fixed and ongoing costs of maintenance, supplies, and materials, curriculum needs, training for staff and teachers, as well as salaries and benefits for all employees remain. School buildings cannot simply be shuttered but must be maintained and prepared for reopening as soon as possible.

Community Questions

1Difference between a Bond and a Levy

A levy is for learning and often requires an annual vote. The state of Montana covers 80% of the budget each year. Each local community is responsible for the remaining 20%. This is state law. Levies cover teacher salaries, continuing education, building budgets, curriculum updates, technology, and other supplies. Ideally, levies are supported and passed every year in order to maintain consistent programming and opportunities in the school district.

A bond is for buildings. It can only legally be spent on specific infrastructure needs which typically don’t cover staffing, curriculum, building budgets, etc.

2Is Property Tax Relief Available?

Yes! Living on a fixed income is challenging. Help is available for low-income and elderly citizens through the state. Information on Property Tax Relief Applications can be found at: https://mtrevenue.gov/publications/property-tax-assistance-program-application-form-ptap/ 

Beginning in 2020, federal relief funds began to be provided to local school districts to address the impact of COVID on schools, teachers and students. These were received through federal bills such as the CARES Act, ESSER 2 and ESSER 3. These funds are anticipated to end in 2024. Any program or position created using these OTO funds will then have to end, or will require other sources of funding to continue.

Impact of COVID

1Why Should I Care What OTO Stands For?
2Understanding How the COVID Relief Funds Work
  • Understanding How the COVID Relief Funds Work 
3Do School Closures Result in Reduced School Costs?
May are wondering if GFPS will see reduced costs because schools are not operating normally due to the government-mandated COVID-19 school closures. The short answer is NO, costs have not significantly decreased because schools are closed.
The district has stated that, if anything, there will be increased costs in some areas as a result of school closures. Buildings are not holding traditional classes, but the staff is still expected to provide for the ongoing education, nutrition and emotional/mental health of over 10,000 students.  The fixed and ongoing costs of maintenance, supplies, and materials, curriculum needs, training for staff and teachers, as well as salaries and benefits for all employees remain.
School buildings cannot simply be shuttered but must be maintained so as to be ready if schools are reopened.

Community Questions

1Difference between a Bond and a Levy

A levy is for learning and often requires an annual vote. The state of Montana only covers 80% of the budget each year and each local community is responsible for the remaining 20%. Levies cover teacher salaries, continuing education, building budgets, curriculum updates, technology, and other supplies. Ideally, levies are supported and passed every year in order to maintain consistent programming and opportunities in the school district.

A bond is for buildings. It can only legally be spent on specific infrastructure needs which typically don’t cover staffing, curriculum, building budgets, etc.

2What Tax Relief is Available?

Living on a fixed income is challenging. Help is available for low-income and elderly citizens. Information on Property Tax Relief Applications and Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit Applications can be found at

https://gfps.k12.mt.us/property-tax-relief-info/

3Administrative Salary Comparison Among Montana AA Districts
Administrative salaries are a component of all public school budgets. In order to aid voters in comparing and assessing administrative spending in our district, the following information has been compiled. For simplicity, the four largest districts in the state (Billings, Great Falls, Missoula, and Helena) are compared below.
 
The data reveals that:
· Great Falls has FEWER administrators than other districts of comparable size
· As a percentage of total budget spending, Great Falls has the LOWEST rate in the state.
· Our Superintendent’s salary is markedly lower than in other districts.
 
Admin Compensation Comparison
Billings: Enrollment 17k, Number of District Admin* 12, District Admin as % of budget 5.60%, Superintendent Salary $168,300
 
Great Falls:  Enrollment 10k, Number of District Admin* 7, District Admin as % of budget 5.35%***, Superintendent Salary $160,000**
 
Missoula:  Enrollment 9k, Number of District Admin* 10, District Admin as % of budget 5.35%, Superintendent Salary $180,000
 
Helena:  Enrollment 8k, Number of District Admin* 11, District Admin as % of budget 7.00%, Superintendent Salary $163,000
 
*With Salary Above $100K
** Ranks 6th in AA MT districts, although 2nd largest
*** Lowest of AA Districts
Data Complied March 2020 by Great Falls Public Schools