The Dollars and Sense of School Funding: Why It Matters

ABSTRACT: Today, we will explore how the budget at Harrison High School is funded and why it matters for your child’s learning experience. Budgets may seem abstract, but they are crucial in determining class sizes, available programs, and whether we can provide arts and extracurricular opportunities. This presentation outlines how schools like HHS are funded, focusing on local, state, and federal sources. It highlights equity concerns tied to income and race, clarifies the budgeting cycle, and provides examples specific to Colorado and Harrison School District Two (HSD2). It also identifies actionable ways parents can advocate for funding and support the school through community involvement (Allison, 2015; Education Trust, 2018).