A Widening Budget Gap:
There is a widening gap between the cost of education and the funding available to districts. For MAPS, that difference is approximately $9.5M. In addition to inflation, gaps from underfunding of special education, transportation and English learner services create additional financial pressure. To bridge funding gaps, districts cut budgets and/or request revenue authority from voters.
Many districts across the state use Capital Projects levy dollars to fill in the gap. MAPS does not currently receive any Capital Projects Levy funds and Operating levy funds have not increased since 2009.
MAPS Plan to Address the $9.5M Budget Gap:
Existing Operating Levy: $1.7 M
Proposed Capital Projects Levy: $4.3 M
Required Budget Cuts: $4.0 M