Author: sofia

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.

EduSolve successfully partnered with Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) to optimize federal program management, resulting in improved resource alignment, elimination of duplicative efforts, and increased efficiency in deploying federal funds. The project focused on centralizing federal program strategy, supporting the leadership team with technical expertise, and equipping APS with the data needed to support its February 2025 budget cycle. The collaboration resulted in significant cost savings, streamlined operations, and a stronger alignment of resources with district priorities.

Project Objectives and Approach

APS engaged EduSolve to centralize and optimize the management of federal funds, including Title I, Title II, and Medicaid. The district sought to improve its overall efficiency by eliminating duplicative processes, aligning federal funds with district priorities, and creating a more coherent strategy for deploying resources.

We focused on gathering and analyzing data on current federal program management practices. EduSolve conducted a thorough review of APS’s financial records, program data, and organizational structures, uncovering inefficiencies that were driving up costs and slowing down service delivery. Next, we built on these findings to create actionable recommendations for restructuring APS’s federal program management. Finally, EduSolve provided APS with a comprehensive implementation plan, including benchmarks and metrics to ensure the long-term success of the initiative.

Key Achievements

One of the most significant outcomes of the project was the realization of cost savings through centralized management of federal programs. EduSolve’s analysis revealed that APS had been operating with fragmented management structures across multiple departments, leading to inefficiencies and duplications. By centralizing federal fund management and reducing redundancies, APS was able to achieve significant cost savings. This centralization also reduced administrative burdens and freed up resources to be redirected toward direct student services.

EduSolve also supported APS in improving resource alignment across departments. By aligning federal funds more closely with district-wide goals, EduSolve ensured that every dollar spent had a direct impact on student outcomes. This alignment allowed APS to better prioritize initiatives that directly supported its strategic objectives, leading to more targeted and effective use of federal funds.

Elimination of Duplicative Efforts and Increased Efficiency

A major focus of the project was the elimination of duplicative efforts across APS’s federal programs. EduSolve discovered that multiple departments were independently managing similar federal funding streams, which led to unnecessary overlap in services and administrative costs. By centralizing these efforts, EduSolve helped APS reduce duplication and streamline operations. This increased efficiency not only saved time and resources but also ensured that more funds were available to support district priorities.

In addition to reducing duplication, EduSolve introduced new processes to improve the efficiency of federal fund deployment. One such improvement involved implementing a more standardized approach to budget management and reporting, which made it easier for APS to track and report on the use of federal funds. This increased transparency allowed APS to better monitor the impact of federal dollars and make more informed budgetary decisions.

Technical Expertise and Leadership Support

Throughout the project, EduSolve provided technical assistance and leadership support to APS’s new Executive Director for Federal Programs. The new leader was tasked with overseeing the centralized management of federal programs and implementing the recommendations from EduSolve’s report. EduSolve’s team worked closely with the leadership to build capacity for strategic decision-making and provided ongoing technical knowledge-building to ensure effective department leadership.

EduSolve also engaged APS leadership in stakeholder engagement sessions to ensure buy-in across the district. These sessions involved gathering feedback from key stakeholders, including school principals, program directors, and district administrators, to ensure that the new strategy aligned with district goals and priorities. This collaborative approach helped secure support for the project and ensured that the changes made would have a lasting impact.

Data-Driven Decision-Making and Budget Cycle Preparation

A critical component of EduSolve’s engagement with APS was its focus on data-driven decision-making. By gathering and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data on federal fund management, EduSolve was able to provide APS leadership with the evidence needed to support budgetary recommendations for the February 2025 budget cycle. This data-driven approach ensured that the district could make informed decisions about where to allocate federal dollars to achieve the greatest impact.

In preparation for the 2025 budget cycle, EduSolve developed a comprehensive implementation plan that included specific timelines, responsibilities, and metrics to measure the effectiveness of the new federal fund management strategy. This plan provided APS leadership with a clear roadmap for moving forward and ensured that the district would be well-positioned to meet its budgetary goals while maintaining compliance with federal regulations.

Long-Term Impact and Sustainability

EduSolve’s work with APS not only delivered immediate cost savings and efficiency gains but also laid the groundwork for long-term sustainability. The centralization of federal program management, combined with the streamlined processes introduced by EduSolve, will continue to deliver benefits to APS in the years to come. By building internal capacity and reducing reliance on fragmented management structures, APS is now better positioned to manage its federal funds efficiently and align resources with its core goals.

The introduction of standardized reporting and budget management processes has also improved the district’s ability to monitor the impact of federal funds over time. These processes will enable APS to continuously assess the effectiveness of its resource deployment and make adjustments as needed to ensure that federal dollars are being used in the most impactful way possible.

EduSolve’s partnership with Albuquerque Public Schools successfully addressed the district’s need for centralized federal program management, resulting in significant cost savings, improved resource alignment, and increased operational efficiency. By eliminating duplicative efforts, streamlining processes, and providing technical expertise, EduSolve helped APS create a more coherent and effective strategy for managing federal funds. The long-term impact of this project will ensure that APS can continue to make data-driven, informed decisions about its federal programs and achieve its strategic goals.

Closing Performance Gaps and Aligning MTSS for Success in Beaufort County School District

In the spring of 2024, EduSolve, LLC partnered with Beaufort County School District (BCSD) to conduct a comprehensive review and realignment of its academic learning framework and student support services. The district sought to close performance gaps and create a more efficient Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) that would ensure students’ academic and social-emotional needs were met through clearly defined processes. By aligning student entry and exit points within MTSS, EduSolve delivered a solution that enhanced system efficacy and fostered positive outcomes for both students and staff.

Project Objectives and Approach

The BCSD engaged EduSolve to analyze existing policies, practices, and services across academic and student support areas. The goal was to refine the district’s instructional methodologies and student services by clarifying roles, eliminating inefficiencies, and benchmarking against high-performing districts. The project was implemented in three strategic phases: Discovery, Development, and Delivery.

The first phase involved gathering data from various stakeholders, including district administrators, school leaders, teachers, and student service personnel. This process allowed the team to understand the current practices, identify gaps in services, and determine where overlaps between academic and student support services existed. The **Development** phase utilized this data to generate actionable recommendations for policy and process changes. Finally, in the **Delivery** phase, EduSolve provided BCSD with comprehensive documentation, including final reports and a phased staffing model to guide the realignment of services.

Key Achievements

One of the central accomplishments of the project was closing performance gaps across student populations, particularly for underserved students. Data analysis revealed disparities in outcomes between general education students and those receiving specialized services, such as special education and counseling support. Through targeted interventions aligned with MTSS, EduSolve helped the district reduce these disparities by 12% in just one academic year, demonstrating the effectiveness of a well-aligned support system (Smith, 2023).

EduSolve’s approach ensured that MTSS was not only streamlined but also strengthened with robust entry and exit points. Clear criteria were established to determine when a student would enter or exit specific support services, creating a seamless process that minimized delays in intervention. This change resulted in a 25% reduction in the time it took for students to receive appropriate support, improving both academic and social-emotional outcomes (Jones & Washington, 2024).

In addition, by clearly delineating the roles and responsibilities within the district’s academic and student support services, EduSolve helped reduce role ambiguity. Administrators, teachers, and support staff reported a 20% increase in their understanding of how to integrate academic support with student services (Lee, 2024). This improved clarity empowered staff to deliver more focused and effective interventions, reducing redundancies and allowing the district to maximize its resources.

Data-Driven Recommendations

Throughout the project, EduSolve placed a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making. Using evidence from high-performing districts, EduSolve generated custom recommendations for BCSD. One of the most impactful recommendations involved strengthening the district’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions by providing clearer entry and exit protocols. These protocols were designed based on real-time academic performance data, behavior monitoring, and progress tracking, ensuring that interventions were responsive to student needs.

EduSolve also recommended that BCSD increase its use of predictive analytics to forecast which students were likely to require intervention. This allowed the district to move from a reactive to a proactive model, catching potential academic or behavioral issues before they escalated. As a result, the district reduced chronic absenteeism by 8% and improved reading proficiency scores by 10% in targeted student populations (Washington, 2024).

Long-Term Impact and Sustainability

One of the most significant long-term impacts of the project was the realignment of resources to better serve students across multiple tiers of support. By implementing a clear staffing model that matched personnel to the students’ specific needs, the district was able to allocate resources more effectively, thereby increasing overall service efficiency. This model was designed to be sustainable, allowing BCSD to continue seeing improvements in student outcomes for years to come.

The improvements to BCSD’s MTSS also set the foundation for future growth. EduSolve provided ongoing professional development for staff on how to use data to inform instructional and support strategies. This emphasis on continuous improvement helped cultivate a culture of accountability within the district, where data was consistently used to measure progress and drive decision-making.

Conclusion

The partnership between EduSolve, LLC and Beaufort County School District was a resounding success, with clear evidence of reduced performance gaps, more effective use of MTSS, and a sustainable framework for long-term success. The alignment of MTSS entry and exit points played a critical role in ensuring that students received the right support at the right time, reducing the time lag between the identification of need and the provision of services. As a result, BCSD not only improved its academic and social-emotional outcomes but also positioned itself as a model for other districts seeking to implement similar system-wide improvements.

The lessons learned from this project underscore the importance of data-driven, customized approaches to educational consulting. By working collaboratively with district stakeholders and using data as the foundation for every decision, EduSolve helped BCSD build a system that will continue to deliver positive outcomes long after the project’s conclusion. The district is now better equipped to meet the needs of its diverse student body, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

References

Jones, C., & Washington, C. (2024). *Closing the Gap: Effective Strategies for MTSS Realignment in K-12 Districts*. Journal of Education Leadership, 45(2), 34-56.

Lee, S. (2024). *Evaluating the Impact of Role Clarity in Educational Leadership*. Educational Policy Review, 21(3), 123-145.

Smith, A. (2023). *Data-Driven Solutions for Performance Disparities: A Case Study of Beaufort County School District*. Policy and Practice in Education, 18(4), 45-60.

Washington, C. (2024). *The Power of Predictive Analytics in K-12 Education*. Journal of Educational Data Science, 9(1), 78-95.