The Mesa County Valley School District 51 budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021 was adopted June 30, 2020. The budget presented is in compliance with applicable Colorado Revised Statutes and Colorado Department of Education regulations.
We are pleased to present the 2020-21 budget for Mesa County Valley School District 51. The District continually strives to provide a quality education for all children while prudently managing our financial resources.
The budget presented incorporates the current Board Long Term Plan as the underlying drivers of spending decisions. They are the basis for prioritizing spending and program opportunities. The budget includes spending for a multi-year maintenance plan, salary increases for all employee groups, a transition to a Performance Based Learning philosophy and a non-designated general fund balance of approximately 5% of general fund expenditures.
The Board of Education in cooperation with the Mesa Valley Education Association negotiated an agreement that is a first major step in an overhaul of the District's compensation system. The new system will reward teachers for demonstrating best practice teaching and increasing student performance, a significant change from the traditional salary schedule, which rewarded years of service.
Performance Based Learning helps prepare all K-12 students for college and career by ensuring that they meet or exceed standards at a pace that is appropriately challenging, rather than waiting for their peers to catch up or moving on without having fully mastered the standards. Students demonstrate mastery in a set of standards within a subject before advancing.
This agreement places District 51 among the finest in Colorado, leading education reform.
The Board of Education and Administration will continue to maintain sound fiscal policies resulting in a strong financial position for the District. The District will focus resources on strategic goals while accepting responsibility for the stewardship of public funds. This new budget represents the efficient and responsible spending of taxpayer funds focused on providing our students with a high quality education for every student, everyday learning for life.
FUNDS
The District has many funds and each is considered a separate accounting entity. They are each used for a specific purpose to benefit the students in the district. There are six fund categories:
Governmental Funds:
General Fund
Colorado Preschool Program Fund
Independence Academy Charter School
Juniper Ridge Community School
Mesa Valley Community School
Special Revenue:
2017 Mill Levy Override
Nutrition Services
Physical Activities
Beverage
Governmental Designated Purpose Grants
Career Center Grant
Other Local Projects/Grants
Debt Service:
Bond Redemption
Capital Projects Fund:
Building
Capital Projects
Enterprise Fund:
Prior to the 14-15 school year, Nutrition Services was recorded as an Enterprise Fund. CDE regulations now require that Nutrition Services be recognized as a Special Revenue Fund.
Internal Service Fund:
Insurance
Dental Insurance
Medical Insurance
If you would like further information, please contact the Financial Services department or drop by and pick up a copy of the most recent Adopted budget.