The Need

Where does school revenue come from?
Referendum revenue, approved by New Ulm voters in 2012, is now $1.8 million each year, or 5.9% of the district’s budget. 

Most of the rest of the district’s funding comes from the state of Minnesota - some comes from the federal government. Unfortunately, state funding has not kept pace with inflationary increases in educational costs. If state revenue had kept pace with inflation, it’s estimated that state revenue per pupil would be $8,126 this year, $1,263 more than the actual figure.

Some programs are currently not fully funded
Promises were made by the state and federal governments to fund certain programs in schools - below is a list of those programs. Unfortunately, those governments have not fulfilled their promise and schools are using general fund dollars to keep them going. 

•  Special education
•  English learners
•  Required transportation for care and treatment
•  Preschool programs
•  Gifted and talented 
•  Out of district or state student placements

The state and federal requirements continue to increase each year, but are not funded at the levels to sustain them without additional local support. The school district has a referendum question expiring after this school year. We’re asking voters to renew it again in a referendum on Nov. 8, 2022.