The Stewartville School District operates on a budget plan. This is necessary because the amount of money used for operation each year is determined by the tax rate last year and by state aide formulas established by the legislature. State law prohibits school districts to go into debt.

A budget is a guide for spending money. All budget items must be approved by the building principal and by the superintendent and/or director of business services.

All employees are encouraged to plan their needs in advance so that most or all material used in the classroom may be ordered on annual requisition. It is helpful to begin a list in September of materials needed for the coming year.