MVWSD is navigating real financial challenges while continuing to invest in what matters most: students. Community partnerships through MVEF and PTAs are essential to sustaining the programs that make our schools whole.

Where does MVWSD get its funding?

MVWSD is a community-funded district, meaning most of our funding comes from local property taxes. This allows us to keep local revenue that exceeds the state’s minimum contribution. We receive very limited state support and are sometimes referred to as a "basic aid" district.

Why local taxes aren’t enough

Even though we receive more local funding than some districts, it's not enough to meet the needs of our students. 

Relying on property tax revenue can be unstable.  Our funding is tied to growth of property values, which is slowing. After two years of 5–6% assessed evaluation growth, or now projecting closer to 3%.

Why we still need help

California ranks 28th in per-pupil funding despite having the world’s 4th largest economy. While districts like ours generally have a few more resources than state-funded (LCFF) districts, the bar of minimum guaranteed funding is low. (Source: Education Law Center, 2022-24)

Additionally, over the years, layers of voter-passed propositions and the California legislature have complicated and limited school funding. 1978’s Proposition 13 slashed property taxes. Proposition 98 in the 1990s established in the state constitution a minimum level for education spending. There’s still continued debate in the state government about how to fund these minimums. Proposition 8 allows for reprieve from taxes for property owners during periods of declining real estate prices, lowering the revenue earmarked for schools. 

Unfunded state mandates have added pressure to district budgets. For example, MVWSD fully funds a Transitional Kindergarten program for 250 students — at an annual cost of $3.5 million — with no dedicated state funding. In addition, we've invested $2.7 million in additional special education staffing to meet growing student needs. Staffing costs increased $2.4 million for programs and services to students, such as instructional aides, special education, mental health, Spanish teachers, science and general education. 

How MVWSD spends its money

* 83% goes directly to students (instructional staff, programs, supplies)
* 17% goes to services and other operating expenses (of which only 9% goes to general administration)

Why donations to MVEF & PTA matter

MVEF funding supports art, music, science programs, smaller English Language Art (ELA) class sizes, and sports and clubs across all schools— programs that inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

PTAs fund trips, experiences and supplies. These programs are often considered outside the core curriculum and can’t be funded through limited district resources alone.

Parents and community members are willing to roll up their sleeves and dig into their own pockets to make up the difference to ensure every student receives a well-rounded educational experience.

Why Prop 28 can’t replace MVEF

Prop 28 funds are additive — not a replacement. They can't be used to fund existing programs. At one of our elementary schools, Prop 28 funding only covers 8–12 hours/week of arts instruction and minimal supply costs. MVEF provides the depth and consistency these programs need.

Do we have extra funds?

No. MVWSD is right-sizing its budget in response to slower revenue growth and rising costs. Reserves are projected to fall below target levels (8.4% by 2027-28). Our Board resolution requires reserves to remain between 17–20% to cushion against revenue fluctuations and unexpected costs.


Community support helps make our schools whole. With your partnership – through donations time and advocacy – we can continue to provide the well-rounded, high-quality education every child deserves.

Why we’re spending more than we bring in (for now)

Strategic deficit spending was a deliberate choice to help students recover from the pandemic. We've also taken early steps, like reducing $700K in contracts, to strengthen our financial position. This fall, MVWSD will evaluate programs and expenditures as part of the process of right-sizing our budget to ensure long-term stability.