FUNDING FOR EDUCATION

FACTS

• Every child has a right to free public education (K-12)

• Education is EXPENSIVE

• What does money go to?

STATE FUNDING

• Each state determines how to fund educational system

• Most uses tax: sales and income taxes

• Pays largest share

• Spending varies from state to state.

LOCAL FUNDING

• Community—property taxes (controversial)

when property values rise, so do taxes

everyone pays them, even those without children

people who rent/lease do not pay directly

• Districts can have different tax rates.

• Districts with large business industries may have lower taxes for property owners.

FEDERAL FUNDING

• Funds are designated for special programs: headstart, providing school lunches for low-income students, remedial programs.

• Provides less than 10%

• Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965: money for schools with low income students to equalize education.

• Carl Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act: career and technical programs.

• No Child Left Behind Act of 2001: federal money to help schools close gap in student achievement.

SPENDING PER PUPIL

• Average amount of money a school district spends to educate one student for one year.

• Varies among districts

http://www.datacenter.kidscount.org/data/tables/1347-spending-per-pupil?loc=19&loct=10#detailed/10/3044-3219/false/868,867,133,38,35/any/11098

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE

• Three levels of government in charge.

• Education not specifically addressed in constitution

• States have primary control

STATE GOVERNMENTS ROLES

THE LEGISLATURE

• Passes laws

• Major decisions

• How much spent for education

• Where funds come from

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

• Provide leadership in education policymaking

• Promotes standards

• Advocates for equality

• Advocates for public funds

SUPERINTENDENT

• Link between state legislature and the state board of education

STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

• Responsible for operation of schools

• Certifies teachers

• Allocates money to school districts

• Checks that schools follow state and federal regulations

LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS ROLES

SCHOOL BOARD

• Sets policies

• Sets the vision

• Approves school curriculum

• Determines budget

• Negotiates contracts

SUPERINTENDENT

• Connect between school boards and schools

• President of a company

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS

• Daily operations

• Sets the tone

• Oversee budget

• Hire and supervise teachers

FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS ROLES

• Legislation

• US Department of Education