Most of us walk through Mount Tahoma every day without stopping to think about something important. Who pays for the teachers here? The clubs? The sports? The art supplies? The Chromebooks? Even the paper towels in the bathrooms? These things do not appear by magic. There is a long process behind every dollar our school spends. 

Mount Tahoma gets most of its money from the state of Washington. The state uses a formula that looks at things like student enrollment, special programs, and community needs. After that, Tacoma Public Schools divides the money among all the schools in the city. Then our principal and school leaders look at what Mount Tahoma students need most and decide how to spend the school budget. 

Many students believe that one person makes these choices alone, but that is not true. It takes many voices working together. Teachers request materials for their classes. Departments explain what they need to support learning. Our sports teams and art programs also ask for resources. The goal is always to help students feel supported, included, and ready to learn. This connects to our values of belonging, collaboration, and equity. 

Students also have a part in this process, even if we do not always notice it. When we speak up through ASB, clubs, surveys, or conversations with staff, we help guide what the school decides to focus on. Sharing our thoughts shows courage and accountability. Our voices help leaders understand what is missing and what would make school better. 

When you think about it, the entire school budget is about making choices that shape our education. These choices support our values of curiosity, critical thinking, and academic excellence. The way our school uses money affects everything from hallway safety to classroom activities to after school events. 

Learning how our school is funded helps us understand our community better. It shows that Mount Tahoma is not just a building where we take classes. It is a place where many people work together to give students real chances to grow. The more we speak up about what we need, the more we help build a school that reflects our community values and our hopes for the future. 

If you want changes at our school, your voice matters. The budget is not just about money. It is about us, our choices, and our community.

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