Legwork

Resources · Guide

Follow theSchool Dollar

A school can have money and still not be able to spend it on its people.

PDF, 2 pagesSend to someone
An empty school hallway lined with lockers
3 of every 4school dollars already pay for people.Salaries and benefits, 77.5% of current spending nationwide, 2021 to 2022. NCES.

1. Where it comes from

Mostly states and property taxes.

44%State
42%Local, mostly property tax
14%Federalhigher than usual that year, from pandemic relief

Public school revenue nationwide, 2021 to 2022: $909 billion.

2. Separate buckets

Bus money is not training money.

General fundStaff, teaching, supplies. Where staff support lives.
Special revenueTied to a purpose, like a federal program or a grant
Capital projectsBuildings, often paid with bonds
Debt servicePaying back borrowing
EnterpriseFee-paid services, often meals
Trust and agencyMoney held for others

Each state sets its own fund names and rules for moving money between them.

3. Pick a need. See the path.

What could pay for it, and what’s in the way.

Money that can usually pay

  • Local funds at the contract rate
  • Title II, Part A, for professional learning
  • A grant written to pay extra-duty time

Red tape to expect

  • Rates usually set by contract, where staff have one
  • Runs through payroll and is taxed
  • Federal money: time and effort records

Fastest honest path: A grant that budgets extra-duty pay at the contract's hourly rate. Ask the business office for that rate before writing.

General patterns, not legal advice. Every state, district, and contract differs; the business office has the final word.

4. The red tape

Six rules on every new dollar.

Set before the yearMoney that shows up in January has no room in a plan already made.
Contracts set payExtra time is paid at contract rates, through payroll.
Federal money addsIt pays for something extra, never what the district would buy anyway.
One-time is one-timeA grant-funded job hits a cliff when the grant ends.
Big buys go to bidEvery state sets a dollar limit for formal bids.
The board says yesGrants and big gifts need approval and stay tied to their purpose.

5. When money can move

Spring is the time to ask.

A typical July to June year. In most states the school fiscal year starts July 1.

Want to help a school?

Start with five questions.

For parents, businesses, and neighbors. Bring them to a principal.

Send to a principal
  1. What would you give your staff if money were not the problem?
  2. Which of those need flexible money, and which could a grant cover?
  3. Who has to approve a gift or grant, and how long does that take?
  4. Does a contract set a rate for extra time, like planning or training?
  5. When is the best month to bring you something new for next year?

Legwork does the grant part.For free.

We find the funding, write it to fit these rules, and file it under the school's grant plan.

Ask for grant help

A general guide, not legal or financial advice. Rules differ by state and district. Revenue shares are calculated from the dollar amounts NCES reports. Sources: NCES, school revenues and spending, fiscal year 2022, NCES school accounting handbook, fund types, NCES on school fiscal years, supplement, not supplant guidance.