In 2024, EduSolve, LLC partnered with Partnerships for Miami to conduct a comprehensive budget analysis for Miami Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS). This project aimed to provide a clear understanding of the district’s funding flows, per-pupil spending variations, and strategic possibilities for resource allocation. By focusing on federal, state, and local funding sources, the analysis helped inform decision-making processes for economic growth and resource optimization within the county.
Project Objectives and Approach
MDCPS, as one of the largest school districts in the United States, faced challenges in managing a complex web of funding sources, including federal programs, state allocations, and local revenue from property taxes and impact fees. EduSolve was engaged to help clarify these funding streams, explore the variations in per-pupil spending across schools, and identify opportunities for more efficient use of resources.
EduSolve’s approach was structured around a detailed financial analysis, combining data collection, strategic review, and stakeholder communication. The project was divided into three key deliverables: Budget Analysis Report, Presentation Slides for Stakeholders, and Feasibility Discussion of Additional Funding. Each deliverable aimed to answer critical questions regarding the origins of revenue, the breakdown of funds, and strategic choices available for optimizing resource use across the district.
Key Achievements
The Comprehensive Budget Analysis Report provided MDCPS with a detailed overview of its funding sources and spending patterns. Through data visualizations and financial breakdowns, EduSolve illustrated significant variations in per-pupil spending, revealing critical insights into how federal, state, and local funds were allocated to different schools. This report emphasized the disparities in funding between traditional public schools and charter schools, where charter schools often operated with lower per-pupil expenditures.
One of the central outcomes of the project was identifying the inefficiencies and duplications in the deployment of funds across the district. EduSolve’s analysis highlighted areas where funding could be better optimized to ensure more equitable resource distribution, especially to schools serving high-need populations. The report also analyzed the potential impact of new funding sources, such as untapped local revenue streams and potential increases in federal funding allocations.
Per-Pupil Spending Variations and Strategic Insights
A key focus of the analysis was the significant per-pupil spending variations observed within MDCPS. EduSolve’s data visualizations showcased spending disparities driven by differences in the needs of individual schools, including those serving high-need student populations. The analysis allowed district leadership to understand the impact of federal grants, such as Title I funding, which specifically targets schools with higher percentages of low-income students.
EduSolve’s process mapping of funding flows provided district leaders with insights into how federal, state, and local funds were being used, along with the flexibilities and restrictions associated with each funding source. This mapping also offered strategic recommendations on how MDCPS could better utilize existing funds and prepare for the inclusion of new, unrestricted revenue sources to meet district needs more effectively.
Stakeholder Communication and Economic Growth
In addition to the technical financial analysis, EduSolve provided communication strategies for fostering dialogue between the district and the local business community. These strategies were designed to frame funding issues not just as school-based challenges but as part of a broader economic growth conversation. By presenting the school funding needs in terms of their long-term impact on workforce development and community health, EduSolve helped MDCPS position itself as a vital contributor to Miami’s overall economic future.
The presentation slides created for stakeholder meetings highlighted the main findings of the budget analysis and included strategic recommendations for improving funding equity. These slides were designed for use in discussions with school board members, district leaders, and business stakeholders, providing clear, actionable insights to guide policy decisions.
Long-Term Financial Planning and Feasibility Discussion
EduSolve also conducted a feasibility discussion of additional funding sources, exploring options such as increasing local property taxes, leveraging public-private partnerships, and advocating for additional state or federal funds. The goal of this discussion was to assess the feasibility of securing unrestricted funding sources that could be used to fill gaps in the district’s budget and provide greater flexibility in addressing pressing needs.
In addition to identifying potential new funding streams, EduSolve provided recommendations on how MDCPS could better position itself to attract future funding, particularly through targeted advocacy and strategic partnerships with local businesses. These recommendations were crafted to ensure that any future funding would be aligned with district priorities and used effectively to support long-term educational outcomes.
