Impact of enrollment

Fewer students = fewer dollars
Schools are funded on a per-pupil basis, and because enrollment is declining, so is the total revenue Mounds View receives. At the same time, expenses continue to rise at a faster rate than reductions can be made. Many recognize that this challenge is not unique to Mounds View. 

“Districts that experience declining enrollment often are not able to reduce expenditures at the same rate, resulting in increasing per pupil expenditure.”
– Minnesota State Auditor, 2006 Financial Trends of Minnesota School Districts and Charter Schools

Increasing expenses
Why can’t costs be cut to match funding?
* Some classes only decline by two or three students. Those classes still require a teacher.
* As downsizing occurs, the probationary teachers are laid off first. The most senior teachers, who have higher salaries, remain.
* Fixed costs continue to increase at each site. They include utilities, insurance, technology and custodial services.

Unfunded mandates
Last year, Mounds View Public Schools took about $6 million out of classroom funding in order to meet unfunded mandates for special education. By comparison, the District had to reduce $2 million to balance the operating budget. 

2007-08 enrollment update
For the 10th year in a row, K-12 enrollment in Mounds View Public Schools has declined. This fall’s 2007-08 enrollment is 9,685 students – down 244 students from last fall and 32 students lower than earlier projections. Overall, kindergarten, elementary school and middle school enrollment is higher than projected, while high school enrollment is lower than projected. Class size averages in every level are within the School Board-approved ranges which were established to fulfill goals set with the successful operating levy last fall. To view the enrollment report, visit www.moundsviewschools.org/pdf07/enrollmentoct07.pdf.