Fremont Public Schools has announced a second amendment to the 2020-21 budget.
The General Fund was increased by $7.7 million as a result of federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSERS III) funding.
“This amendment will allow the district to access the third round of funding provided by the Federal Government during the current fiscal year,” FPS Associate Superintendent Brad Dahl said.
The general fund budget for FPS covers personnel, instruction, transportation and most operating costs. Personnel expenses make up 87 percent of the general fund, while instructional costs make up 76 percent of the remainder of the general fund.
A majority of the budget — 51.12 percent — is funded by property taxes. The second-largest revenue source is state aid, which funds 29.39 percent of the budget.
The infusion of federal funds into school districts’ budgets accomplishes two things:
- Infuses funds into the local economy
- Allows school districts to deal with necessary expenditures related to the pandemic without placing an undue burden on local resources.
Items covered by the use of federal funding includes the purchase of PPE, additional technology and curricular resources, enhancing summer school and providing for indoor air quality improvements.
The district continues to be efficient with its spending. FPS ranks 13th out of 244 school districts in Nebraska in per-pupil spending. Only 12 districts spend less per pupil. FPS spends $11,746 per pupil compared to the state average of $13,184.
