Who's got the money? Will we get any?

Money, money, money. Scary. Seems all we hear about is talk of money. Mostly from the federal government, but then some flowing to the states, maybe to your local schools. The logical question to ask is whether we will receive any school money locally.
The answer is: What time is it? For it seems the possible answers change with the clock. Each hour brings new speculation about what is included, who will be the recipients, and how much.
The answer for Marietta City Schools (MCS) at the moment is we don’t know. And we don’t expect to know for some time. And we will not incorporate unknown funds in our forecasts. We do not buy lottery tickets.
Recent local news showed anticipated state revenues for many area districts over the next two-year period. Frankly, it looked like rather good news for MCS with a boost in expected revenues of over a million dollars each year.
Other districts appeared not to have fared so well. Again, we are at a loss to know just why though we can offer up a partial speculation.
The previous formula used to calculate each district’s funding from the state ran to 24 pages. All of the many factors taken into account took a total of those 24 pages to explain and compute. The new formula is, at this point, unknown to us. The 39 line items could run to 50 or 60 pages.
It is quite possible that since MCS voluntarily paid for the all day Kindergarten program the past two years that we would be given some recognition in the formula for having provided that service. Districts who have not funded it themselves but, owing to the previous formula received state funding, would not now receive yet more funding. Hence, that piece of their share would remain the same while we receive a raise.
It is also possible that since we have by far the most special education students in the area and provide extensive programming that an adjustment may be made. It is a given we cannot use any new money to pay for existing programs. Currently mandated programs already strap our budget.
It is impossible to predict what amount of funds will ultimately flow our way. Only time will tell. Here are some important things for you to know.
At the regular monthly board meeting, Treasurer David Combs reviews our current finances and notes any changes, adjustments or exceptions that have arisen since the previous month. Usually they are quite small and often predictable. Our sources and uses of funds change very little over the course of a year. That is, unless the state happens to make a significant adjustment by surprise. Which has happened.
Twice each year we are required to file a five-year “projection” of our funding and expenditures. This happens in May and October. Again, coming so closely upon each other, there are few surprises. But it’s a good time to review the future and make adjustments in our expenditures, as we have virtually no control over our receipts.
With over 83% of our spending flowing to wages, salaries and benefits and nearly all of that being directed by contract, it leaves little room find savings without cutting programs. Add to those expenses the unfunded mandates and the room for adjustment is even smaller.
Finally, as we all received our property tax bills recently, ponder this. A couple percent reduction in the number of people who pay their taxes on time can have a six figure negative impact on our cash flow for the next six months. Frightens us too.