Appropriated fund balance. Money from the district’s savings that is used to fund operations for the following school year. School districts are allowed to keep a certain amount of money in “undesignated” reserve accounts, which means it does not have a specific purpose. Such fund balances may sometimes be referred to as “rainy day” funds.

Tax cap. The allowable limit that a district can increase its tax levy without requiring budget approval by a supermajority (60 percent or more) of voters. It is often referred to as the “2 percent” tax cap, but the actual amount varies from district to district, based on an 11-step formula that takes into account spending on capital projects, increases in pension costs and other items.