The Public School General Operating Fund: What is it and Why Does it Matter?

The General Operating Fund is the main source of funding for Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS). It covers most of the school district’s budget (about 75%) and helps pay for the essential services that keep schools running smoothly. But what exactly is it, how is it funded, and why is it so important? Let’s break it down.

What is the General Operating Fund?

The General Operating Fund is used to pay for everything schools need to educate students. This includes:

• Teacher and staff salaries
• Classroom supplies like books, computers, and learning materials
• Curriculum and programs that help students learn
• School maintenance to keep buildings safe and clean

In simple terms, the General Operating Fund is what makes it possible for schools to function and for students to receive an education.

How Is the General Operating Fund Funded?

The General Operating Fund is paid for by both the state of Montana and local taxpayers. Here’s how the funding works:

• 80% from the State: The largest portion of the General Operating Fund comes from the state. The state allocates money to school districts based on a formula that takes into account the number of students and other factors.
• 20% from Local Mill Levies: The remaining 20% of the funding comes from local mill levies. These are taxes voted on by the people in the community. The mill levy is a way for residents to contribute more money to their local schools, allowing the district to have extra resources for things like new technology, better facilities, or additional programs.

Why Is Local Support Important?

The local mill levy is a key part of school funding because it allows the community to decide how much they want to invest in their schools. This local support has several benefits:

1. Local Control: The mill levy lets residents vote on how much extra funding they want to give to schools. This means the community has a say in how education is funded and what resources are available to students.
2. Flexibility: The 20% provided through local taxes helps the district have more money to spend on things that may not be covered by the state, like upgrading technology or adding extracurricular activities.
3. Community Investment: When people vote to support their schools, they are helping ensure that their children get the best education possible. It’s a way for the community to show that they care about the future of students.

What About Federal Funds?

Federal funds do not contribute to the General Operating Fund. While the federal government does provide some funding for specific programs, like special education or Title 1 (for low-income students), it does not cover the everyday costs of running schools.

Why Does This Matter?

The General Operating Fund is essential to the success of Great Falls Public Schools. Without it, the district wouldn’t be able to pay teachers, provide classroom materials, or maintain school buildings. Local support through mill levies is also critical, as it allows the community to help fund schools in ways that the state funding alone cannot.

Conclusion

In short, the General Operating Fund is what keeps Great Falls Public Schools running. It’s made up of 80% state funding and 20% local funding through mill levies. Local support through mill levies is essential for making sure schools have the resources they need to provide a high-quality education. Understanding how this funding works helps us all see how important it is to support local schools. By voting on mill levies and investing in education, we’re helping ensure that future generations of students have the tools they need to succeed.