Greendale School Finance 101

---

The Greendale School District in Wisconsin, like other school districts, generates revenue through a combination of local, state, and federal funding sources to support its budget. The financing of the district's budget is primarily driven by property taxes, state aid, and various categorical grants.

1. Property Taxes: A significant portion of the Greendale School District's revenue comes from property taxes levied on residential and commercial properties within its boundaries. Property owners pay taxes based on the assessed value of their properties, and these tax revenues are then allocated to the school district.
2. State Aid: The state of Wisconsin provides financial assistance to school districts through a formula-based system known as the General Aid formula. The formula takes into account various factors such as student enrollment, district property values, and the district's ability to raise revenue through property taxes. The state aid is designed to bridge the gap between the district's locally generated revenue and the amount needed to meet the state's minimum educational funding requirements.
3. Categorical Grants: The Greendale School District may also receive funding through categorical grants provided by the state and federal governments. These grants are typically designated for specific purposes such as special education programs, Title I programs for economically disadvantaged students, career and technical education, or programs targeting specific educational needs.
4. Federal Funding: The federal government provides funding to school districts through programs such as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which includes funding for Title I schools serving disadvantaged students, as well as special education funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The Greendale School District's budget is prepared annually and is subject to approval by the district's board of education. The budgeting process involves projecting revenue from various sources and estimating expenditures for