We are pleased to share that despite the many challenges we faced during the 2020-21 school year that resulted in the district incurring expenses beyond what were originally budgeted, we were able to finish the fiscal year with a balanced budget. We take great pride in providing the community children with a quality education while also being fiscally responsible.
I liken our school district to that of being in the middle class income range. We have enough money to pay the bills, but very little extra, so we have to watch our spending closely. With a low income rate of 18%, our school district is limited in the amount of grant money we are eligible to receive because by definition we are considered a low need school district.
Did you know?
- Through the annual audit process, the Operating Expense Per Pupil (OEPP) is calculated for every school district in the state of Illinois. Of the 850 Illinois school districts included on the FY20 OEPP Report published on the ISBE website, Germantown had the 4th lowest operating expense per pupil at $7,204.61. The statewide average OEPP was $13,278.47.
- Of the 29 elementary districts in Clinton, Madison, and St. Clair counties, Germantown Elementary School had the lowest school tax rate for taxes that were payable in 2020. The GES school tax rate was $2.24. The average school tax rate of the 29 schools in the tri-county area was $3.45.
- Through the audit process, every public school district in the state of Illinois earns a financial profile score and designation. If a district receives a score of 3.54 - 4.00, they are in the highest category of financial strength - Financial Recognition. If a district receives a score of 3.08 - 3.53, they are in the next highest financial health category of Financial Review. If a district receives a score of 2.62 - 3.07, they are placed in the category of Financial Early Warning. If a district receives a score of 1.00 - 2.61, they are in the highest risk category of Financial Watch. As outlined in the 19 Year Alphabetical Profile Analysis published by the ISBE, Germantown has received the highest designation of Financial Recognition every single year. In fact, over the course of the past decade, our school district has received a perfect 4.0 score every year but one.
- Using data collected through the audit process along with the Evidence-Based Funding Formula, every public school district in the state of Illinois is placed in a financial tier based on their level of school funding. As indicated on the 2019-20 Illinois Report Card, Germantown Elementary is funded at 68% of its need which puts our district in tier 2. In FY20, our financial resources totaled $1.7 million. To be adequately funded, we would have needed to receive $2.6 million. This means that our school district was underfunded by about $900,000 for the 2019-20 school year.
Despite a budget that is significantly underfunded, we have found ways to spend within our means and still provide our students with an exemplary education that puts our school district in the top 10% statewide with no underperforming student groups.
As we continue on our mission to take GES from good to great, we stand committed to maximizing our financial resources to best meet the needs of our students.
Your support in all that we do is always very much appreciated.
With warmest regards,
Robin Becker, Proud GES Supt.