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How is our Budget Created?

School district budgets come from many funding sources with specific rules that dictate how the money can be spent. This video provides an overview of how school budgets work in Minnesota.

Once we make our budget projections, our Chief Operations Officer, our Budget and Finance Committee, and School Board looks at the strategic big-picture budget for the entire district over many months so we can build our budget forecast for the next year.

Here are a few ways that you can be informed and contribute to this process: 

  • Attend monthly board meetings to learn more about our current and projected finances
  • Consider joining our Budget and Finance Committee
  • Contact Your Lawmakers

Consider Attending our Monthly Board Meetings

To learn more about the board calendar and meeting agendas, check out our main board page.

STEP Budget and Finance Committee

STEP’s Budget and Finance Committee (BFC) makes sure that our annual budget reflects our school’s goals and priorities. Committee members review and make recommendations on our school’s finances and financial policies to ensure that we use high-integrity professional accounting practices and to provide effective communication related to financial matters.  Click here for more information on this committee, or please view our school website. 

The BFC will: 

  • Ensure high integrity
  • Ensure professional accounting practices are followed
  • Ensure effective communications related to financial matters
  • Provide substantive oversight of the school’s finances, financial policies, and adherence to the approved budget.
  • Ensure the prudent use of school funds.
  • Provide relevant information and guidance to the School Board on financial matters.

BFC members include:

  • Board Member: Director Hassan Moalim – Board Treasurer 
  • Chief Operations Officer, Paul Scanlon
  • District Financial Manager, Lisa Hasledalen
  • Parent: tbd
  • Teacher: tbd
  • Community Member: tbd 

I hope that you will consider joining our BFC so we can build additional perspectives and understanding when it makes budgeting and academic decisions. Our Committee is comprised of parents, teachers, and community members who bring their experiences to help the board find solutions that help our students and school grow.

How Else can I Help?

Contact Your Lawmakers: Your voice can make a difference. The bulk of STEP Academy’s budget funds come from the state and federal governments. Please consider contacting your state and federal lawmakers and encouraging them to sponsor or participate in efforts to increase spending on education. Find your state and federal representatives and senators through the Minnesota Legislative Coordinating Commission.