Using Every Dollar to Help Students

Understanding How Manteca Unified’s Needs-Based Budgeting Benefits Your Child

During the 2023/24 school year, Manteca Unified School District (MUSD) has implemented a significant change in how we plan our budget to better support students. This approach, called needs-based budgeting, is the result of years of work to ensure that every dollar spent has a clear goal, purpose, and plan. To bring this goal to life, MUSD dug deep into data, gathered input, prioritized equity, aligned school and district plans, and finally, allocated dollars to address every identified need.

The first major step in this budgeting method was understanding and using data. MUSD leaders analyzed various data points to see where our students need the most help. They looked at test scores, growth metrics (ways to measure student progress), and other local data, such as conversations with parents and staff members, to set meaningful goals for the next three school years. By doing this, District and school leaders can make sure resources are used where they are needed most.

In March and April 2024, the District held several Community Input workshops to gather feedback from families, staff, students, and community members. These workshops were designed to be inclusive, with live Spanish and Punjabi translations to ensure everyone could participate. Topics discussed included academic growth, college and career preparedness, and support for special groups like students experiencing homelessness and students acquiring English to become bilingual.

Student voice was also a significant part of the needs-based planning process. MUSD leaders visited all five comprehensive high schools and conducted a district-wide survey to hear directly from students. This input was crucial in shaping the plans and ensuring that the needs of students are accurately reflected.

 

As a district, we understand some students need more support than others. To meet unique needs, MUSD embeds equity into our strategic plans to ensure every student has access to the necessary resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

The District’s budgeting process also required school and district-level strategic plans to use common language, which was established in trainings with teachers, staff, and leadership. By establishing this shared language as an educational village, we can more accurately communicate and understand student needs within our environment.

After months of analyzing data and planning, each school and department submitted their needs-based plans. These were reviewed and used to create the District’s budget, ensuring that every dollar is spent effectively to support student needs. The final budget, reflecting these needs, will be presented to the MUSD Board of Trustees for approval in June 2024.

This refined, detailed budgeting approach helps MUSD better support your child’s or student’s academic and personal growth. By focusing on specific needs and involving the community in the planning process, the District ensures that resources are used efficiently and effectively, setting a strong foundation for continued improvement and success for all students in Manteca Unified.