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Property Tax Reform

  1. High Local Funding Dependency

The Ladue School District operates with a funding model that is almost entirely independent of state resources.

  • Approximately 94% of the district's operating revenue is derived from local sources, primarily property taxes.
  • While many Missouri districts receive significant state funding, Ladue receives one of the smallest shares of federal and state aid in the State. In recent years, federal funding has accounted for as little as 2.6% of its budget.
  • Under the Missouri Foundation Formula, Ladue is a "hold harmless" district. This means that because the local tax base is so strong, the state's per-pupil formula allocation never increases; it remains frozen at 2005 State funding levels.
  1. The Power of Local Taxes

The district's ability to operate at such a high level is a direct result of the strength associated with the local economy. The district maintains the lowest tax rate in St. Louis County is one of only 50 districts across the State that levies $2.75 in the general operating levy.

Revenues by Source

  • Local Revenue: 94%
  • State Revenue: 4%
  • Federal Revenue: 1%
  • County Revenue: 1%
  1. Stability and Community Control

Heavy local funding offers the district a unique level of financial autonomy and stability.

  • Because Ladue does not rely on the state's "Foundation Formula" for its primary budget, it is less vulnerable to state-level budget cuts or fluctuations in the Missouri General Revenue fund (State Income Tax).
  • Our reliance on local funding means that legislative shifts have a direct impact on our classrooms. A prime example is the new Senior Tax Freeze; while intended to provide relief to residents, it has led to a $2.3 million reduction in our local revenue for this fiscal year.