Finally received some information on the cost to the district when we lose students via open enrollment. The district will continue to receive all levy dollars, however, the general education aid from the state will be pulled and follow the student to to their new district. For 2011-12, the amount of the general education aid per student to Westonka, is approximately $5000. Since Westonka is one of the few districts experiencing enrollment decline, our levy amounts per pupil are now higher than when originally levied due to this attrition. Where does this money go?
From 1996 to 2011, Westonka's enrollment has fallen by approximately 399 students. This was during a period of unprecedented population growth within the district's boundaries. FWIW: 399 x $5000 = $1,995,000 lost in 2011. Pretty sure that comes to more than $13.50 per month......................
http://dreambigwestonka.blogspot.com/2011/10/campaign-promise-to-you.html
Be careful of what you are voting for today!!!
So basically, if we look at the school district like a business, this big bond referendum is them asking us to cover their losses brought on by their failure to put out a marketable product? How many of these guys have worked for the federal government?
ReplyDeleteThese are crazy numbers, Mr Mailey. Are you confident in their accuracy?
ReplyDeleteI absolutely am, 2:34! The levy retention and the loss of the general education aid and its amount per pupil are from the district's finance manager:
ReplyDeleteMegan Berberick
Director of Finance
Westonka Public Schools ISD 277
507.993.7361
If you follow the link back in the main post above, all of that data & graph is from either the MN Dept of Education or Hennepin County Taxpayer Services and easily verifiable.