Money Minute

Last week, as I cleared my inbox, I noticed an email labeled “Load of Initial State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2026 Allocations” from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). My first thought, like many of you, was, “Show me the money!” as I quickly logged into the Minnesota Education Grant System (MEGS). After randomly clicking links in MEGS (MEGS Access / Select - View Funding Summary - IDEA Part B 611 Regular FIN 419), my heart skipped a beat. My district’s Federal Part B allocation was less than 50% of what I received last year, an initial figure that did not make me happy until I realized there was more to the story. I slowly poured myself an Old Fashioned and decided to read the MDE email.

Apparently, for the past few years, Washington has not released all of the IDEA funding at the start of the fiscal year. They send out an initial award now, and allocate the rest in October. Therefore, MDE allocates a portion of a district’s Part B funding now and will allocate more at a later date. While I understood this explanation, it did nothing to calm my racing heart. I realized that, if I wanted an estimate of what my district’s Part B allocation will be, I would have to do math.

I quickly texted my daughter: “How do I solve this problem? My district has been awarded $477,986 out of $79,354,478. The total award will be $202,759,978 (this will replace the $79,354,478). I need to know what my district’s award will be based on these numbers.”

She replied, “All you have to do is calculate proportional adjustment based on the increase in the total state award amount.”

Me: “I know, but I left my calculator at home.”

Daughter: “There’s a calculator on your phone.”

Me: “I know, I just wanted someone to check my math.”

Daughter: “Did you get $1,221,310?”

Me: “Yes, thank you!”

I realize that many of you don’t have my daughter’s texting number, but you can also do the math yourself:

Step-by-Step:

1. Find your district’s initial award from MEGS

2. Find your district's proportion and calculate an estimate:

([Your District's Allocation] / $79,354,478) * $202,759,978 = Your Estimated Award

Or, you can type the following prompt into your favorite AI app (replace “X” with your district’s initial award):

How do I solve this problem? My district has been awarded $X out of $79,354,478. The total award will be $202,759,978 (this will replace the $79,354,478). I need to know what my district’s award will be based on these numbers. 

Keep in mind that this is only an estimate or ballpark number. Your actual award most likely will be less (it always is). Speaking of ballparks, I think I hear the Cubs game starting.

Rob

Rob Dehnert, Faribault Director of Student Support Services.