No, it is not true that the Legislature sets budgets for school districts. I really don't know where anyone would get the impression that the state creates a pool from which all districts must divine their share.
Thanks to Andy, for helping to clarify this. I certainly did a poor job. Let me try to clarify, and Andy or anyone else can correct me where I'm wrong (and I probably am wrong).
The school board has the power to levy a certain amount of local property tax for the school district. However, as Andy pointed out - the amount they can raise is capped by the state. As far as I know, St. Paul and most other metro districts have already levied the maximum amount that they are allowed (and pretty much always do).
So, in practical effect, they cannot raise taxes for schools - in theory, they could lower them, if they felt the state portion of the budget was sufficiently well funded.
The school board can also approve a referendum request - for additional property taxes. But, the voters must approve the referendum. I believe that the amount a district can raise by referendum is also capped - at St. Paul is currently at the cap (I believe this is correct). I believe that the current referendum in St. Paul is due to expire in the next year and we will likely be facing another referendum to replace the last one. Again, its my understanding that the next referendum will be to replace an existing referendum, not to generate additional funds.
Finally, the school relies on state funds distributed on a per pupil basis, along with some "compensatory" funding to address special needs. The per pupil funding and the compensatory funding are set by the state legislature.
Since the St. Paul school district is already at it maximum ability to levy property taxes, the school board has no ability to raise addition funds. As things currently stand, only the state legislature has the ability to generate any additional funds for the district.
Unless, the school board decides to "cut local taxes" and increase the size of the deficit - then there is nothing more that they can do except to distribute the funds that have been made available to them.
I am quite sure, that the current school board cannot "raise any additional taxes." They can only cut the budget to meet the expected revenues from the state.
I hope that I've got this somewhat correct. I'd welcome any corrections or additions from someone more knowledgeable than myself.
Best wishes,
Tim Erickson Hamline Midway [EMAIL PROTECTED]
--
=================================================
Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722
[EMAIL PROTECTED] iChat/AIM: stpaultim
=================================================
_____________________________________________
To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ____________________________________________
NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul
Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
