Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton released plans in his state budget today to boost spending to his priority programs, which would mean a brighter future for public schools.
"It takes all that kind of money to run a district and for so long we've been flat-funded," Lynne Kovash, Superintendent of Moorhead Public Schools, said.
These halls run on more than just teachers and text books, and lately they've been running low.
But with the Governor's budget proposal in front of her, Kovash could be looking to fill up.
"I don't know that we can ever say it's enough because there are so many need."
The proposal allows for $314 spent on each student in the Moorhead Public School System, but it's not quite what it seems.
Take away funding for early childhood education, then money spent on all-day kindergarten. You're left with $52 per student in the K-12 system.
"Fifty-two dollars is good to have because of many years we had a zero dollar increase on the formula," Kovash said.
A formula then broken up even more by costs of staffing and resources to keep seven schools running.
"It wasn't clear whether it was over a two year period," Kovash added. "His budget proposal is for a biennium so for a two-year period, so for a two year period. Was it $52 per pupil per year or is it $52 per pupil over a two-year period."
How far the money will go is yet to be answered.
But, Kovash says any additional help is both welcome and needed.
"There are other districts that get a lot more funding per student. We've been supported by our local community but it shouldn't all fall on a local community."
Kovash says as she looks ahead to rationing that money her priority is student support, which means more attention to things like tutoring programs and counseling.
Other points on the budget may help schools, as well.
Dayton planned for $1 million for bullying prevention and $1 million for emergency preparedness in schools.
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