FAQ
Where has the District made budget reductions in the past?
Isn’t the federal government giving the district money for education through the stimulus package?
How does the district monitor its expenses and its financial health?
Why can’t the district ask voters for a larger levy?
Why does it seem that the district is always cutting the budget, even after the public approves a levy?
Why are voters asked to approve Maintenance and Operations (M&O) levies so often?
What is the difference between a levy and a bond?
Where does the district get money for construction?
Q: Where has the District made budget reductions in the past?
A: The District has reduced expenses or increased fees in virtually every area of the budget. Most significant areas of reduction have been administrative, transportation and other non-teaching positions.
Q: Isn’t the federal government giving the district money for education through the stimulus package?
A: The District will be getting federal funding – but there are strings attached to that money. It is also unlikely that money will be available in future years so we have to be cautious that we don’t invest it in things are not sustainable. The state will also be using some of the school funding to offset some of their other budget cuts.
Q: How does the district monitor its expenses and its financial health?
A: District staff provides a monthly financial report to the School Board. These reports provide an overview of expenses and revenue, cash position, fund balance and enrollment. The district’s recent audit indicated that it is managing its funds well.
Q: Why can’t the district ask voters for a larger levy?
A: Most public school districts are limited to a maximum amount of 24% of their state allocated budget (this is what NTPS voters approved last year).
Q: Why does it seem that the district is always cutting the budget, even after the public approves a levy?
A: When the state reduces its funding for vital educational services, we have no way to increase levy funding to offset these reductions - forcing us to reduce staff costs which account for 85% of our total budget.
Q: Why are voters asked to approve Maintenance and Operations (M&O) levies so often?
A: By law, M&O levies can only be for a maximum of four years. The 2008 NTPS M&O was approved for only two years. After the approved time allotment, a levy expires, similar to a magazine subscription. Districts must then go back to their voters and ask for a continuation, or renewal, of levy support. Generally, the levy you are voting on simply replaces one that is about to expire.
Q: What is the difference between a levy and a bond?
A: Levies generally support “learning,” which can include programs, additional staffing, and operation of buildings. Bonds are for “building” and are financed over a longer time period, sort of like a mortgage. Bonds generally pay for new construction, property purchase or capital projects such as the recent modernization of Timberline High School.
Q: Where does the district get money for construction?
A: The capital budget (about $80 million) is used for construction activities and is funded through a variety of sources including bonds, the state, bond matching funds and impact fees. The operational budget ($121 million) is used for day-to-day educational and support activities of students and schools. Funds from the two budgets cannot be exchanged.
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