Although I'm not an expert on school funding, I think the answer to Ms. Del
Calzo's question is "formulas". Funding from the state for K-12 is
distributed based on a complicated formula that is related to the number of
pupils and the types of pupils. This distribution formula is not related to
property taxes raised. As I understand it, if the state said (we are
talking just the big levy here under this scenario) the School Board would
not be able to levy property taxes and instead the state would give the
School Board money based on this formula, the School Board would get less
money than if they were just levying it directly.
The State taking over funding also takes local control away. If you
remember, earlier in the session, there was a proposal to end giving extra
money in the formula for kids who come from poor families, which would have
been a devastating reduction in funding for Mpls schools. In a world where
more of the balance of power is shifting towards suburbs and many suburbs
engage in activities that keep lower income and minority people out, the
effects of the state taking over at least the lion's share of funding for
K-12 schools could result in formula changes that would be serious funding
reductions for Minneapolis schools.
Carol Becker
Longfellow
----- Original Message -----
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2001 7:19 PM
Subject: [Mpls] School Funding and Taxes
> Okay, folks, I will admit it. I just don't understand the whole
discussion
> of the proposed tax changes by the Legislature and the pronouncements by
the
> School administration that terrible cuts will have to be made because of
> those changes.
>
> If I heard correctly, I thought the state was going to take over the
funding
> of education. Therefore as I look at my tax bill I see three separate
school
> levies: 1)the School District State Determined Levy, 2) the School
District
> Voter Approved Levies, and 3) School District Other Local Levies. All
> totaled they add up to about 40% of the tax bill. Is the state going to
take
> over all of those? I thought I heard that the excess referendum one would
> stay a local responsibility.
>
> So what difference does it make to the School Board if the state pays or I
> pay? Why is there less money?
>
> Okay, I understand that the Legislature wants to reduce the tax rate for
> properties valued at over $76,000. Now that I can understand should
reduce
> my total tax bill and therefore the city and county would have less money.
> But won't the State fund the education as it would if there had been no
> reduction? If the excess referendum stays local and rates change
therefore
> less money would be raised and that I understand. But is that enough to
> cause all the dislocation the school administration is talking about?
>
> There is also a real scary thing on the tax bill - a big number that says,
> "Aid paid by the state of Minnesota to reduce your property tax." Is the
> state going to continue to pay that? If the state doesn't, that will more
> than wipe out the decrease due to a reduced rate and transfer of education
> funding. There is also a credit for a lessor amount from the state? How
> about that one?
>
> Why do I get the feeling that I am watching one of those shell games use
see
> being played on the street by disreputable people?
>
> I'd sure appreciate any insight some list members have.
>
> Jan Del Calzo
> Lynnhurst
>
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