This can be complicated, but I will try to break down the different funds schools have and what they are used for.
EDUCATION FUND: This is the fund that is covers anything considered student instruction. Teachers, counselors, coaches/AD and principals salaries, the school covered portion of health insurance for any staff, teaching assistants, principal's office expenses, textbook costs, learning materials - everything that directly influences student learning comes from this. The Education Fund is directly funded as "state tuition money" from state government. Every school corporation receives the same base amount per student. For 2026-27, it is $7071. The exact number differs from corporation to corporation based on special ed numbers and a complexity index involving students in vocational programs, poverty levels, etc. For TSSC that number is $8819 for 2026-27. That amount changes year to year.
OPERATIONS FUND: This covers everything "non-instruction" that is required to make learning possible. Included here are utilities, administration costs (except for principals), technology, transportation costs (salaries, fuel, maintenance and the purchasing of school busses), maintenance on the buildings, major equipment and custodial services. Property and transportation insurance is also paid for from this fund. This is funded from local property taxes.
DEBT SERVICES FUND: You can only use this fund to pay off bonds and long term loans and for large construction projects and land acquisitions (capital improvements). This is funded from local property taxes.
RAINY DAY FUND: This helps schools navigate unexpected emergencies and revenue shortfalls. State code says that the Board may transfer up to 10% of the total budget into the Rainy Day Fund, providing there are available funds to transfer.
Most individual schools maintain an EXTRA-CURRICULAR/ATHLETIC FUND: This collects and distributes money for specific sports, clubs and activities for students. This fund relies on gate revenue, concession sales, booster clubs, student fundraisers and donations. Costs here include uniforms and equipment, concession goods, cost of officials, and equipment. Some schools require students to pay a fee to play to help offset some of these costs. Some schools, like TCSC, require a transportation fee to help pay for bus services to and from ECA events. This is not a Board regulated/influenced account.