Minimum Foundation Program (MFP)

The Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) is a formula established to determine the cost of a minimum program of education in all public elementary and secondary schools - essentially, what it costs to provide each Louisiana student with the minimum educational foundation necessary for future success. The resulting calculation is then used to help distribute funds among parish, city, and other local school systems.

BESE is charged with developing and submitting the MFP to the Louisiana Legislature for consideration each year. The MFP Task Force was originally created and approved by BESE in 2013 for the purpose of offering recommendations to the Board as part of its process in developing the MFP formula. The group, comprised of legislators, school board members, superintendents, teachers, parents, and community and education organizations, has convened each year since, producing recommendations on how best to improve the formula to most equitably and effectively fund schools and students.