Budget Committee!

David I. Backer and Derek Gottlieb

5.0 (3)
Education

Getting (Closer) to the Bottom of Your District's Finances

2d ago

It Doesn't Math: Addison Central (VT)

We look at a district where the annual budget seems to be in pretty good shape -- but where bigger issues around district consolidation, building closures, and state-level policy changes are stirring underfoot. What consolidations/closures/mergers, you ask? In response to VT's Act 46, ACSD was initially formed only a decade ago.But there was a problem in the initial Articles of Agreement that formed the district: closure decisions would be left to the board alone.Ripton, one of the towns in the district, worried that the board would close their school, so they voted to withdraw from the district in 2021The state board and the legislature intervened, worried Ription couldn't operate independently, and Ripton rejoined the district in 2022 -- but amending the Articles of Agreement to require town votes, not just board votes, for future closures.And then the board did vote to close Ripton in 2025, and a town vote ratified it.ACSD's facility plan makes it sound as though other schools (Cornwall and/or Weybridge) might also close. Why all this pressure? 2024 tax revolt opposing large property-tax hikes Vermont Act 73, reforming school funding (explainer here) Statewide consolidation pressure VT suspended state aid for construction in 2007, creating a massive backlog. As always, thanks to Carsie Blanton for the musicSoumya Dhulekar for the artworkGabbie Costanzo for the research help
3d ago

Such a Special Boy: Williamson County (TN)

In this episode, we talk school district boundaries, funding mechanisms, and structural challenges, using Williamson County and Franklin Special District in Tennessee as case studies. We dissect how historical laws, political decisions, and financial strategies shape educational access and equity. How district boundary drawing impacts racial and economic segregationThe financial interplay between county and special districts, including taxation authority and borrowing powerThe implications of district borrowing, debt, and capital expenditures on educational budgetsThe effects of state funding formulas and incentive structures on district spendingThe role of demographic shifts, enrollment changes, and austerity measures in budget planningThe importance of participatory budgeting and community involvement in fiscal decision-makingEthical considerations in resource allocation and the politics of school finance Thank you to Soumya Dhulekar for the artwork Thank you to Carsie Blanton for the music Thank you to Gabbie Costanzo for the research help LINKS The Color of Property by David FreundWilliamson County School District Official WebsiteFranklin Special School DistrictJohn Rawls' Theory of JusticeParticipatory Budgeting ResourcesTrade Movies Podcast
3d ago

Some Real Kablooey Stuff: Hickman Mills (MO)

Hickman Mills C-1 is facing a triple whammy: Property assessment issues, evaporating ESSR funding, and an adverse audit finding. What's going on?Some resources! District website NCES CCD demographicsACS 2024-2025 profile Audit and budget info (present and past)MSBA EMMA2026 Ballot results (and upcoming info) State/Federal regulations Milliken v. Bradley: 418 U.S. 717 (1974) Missouri v. Jenkins: 515 U.S. 70 (1995)Missouri DESE School Finance pageHancock amendmentMO voting to get rid of income tax? Property assessment/tax incentive coverageJackson County assessor's officeNews coverage of property tax rollbackKCUR story on the local history of district boundariesThe Cerner project, article 1 and article 2News coverage of superintendent transitionThank you to Soumya Dhulekar for the artwork!Thank you to Carsie Blanton for the music!Thank you to Gabbie Costanzo for the research help!
Jul 22

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4 Episodes

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

Getting (Closer) to the Bottom of Your District's Finances

Creator

David I. Backer and Derek Gottlieb
Years Active

2026
Episodes

4
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© David I. Backer and Derek Gottlieb