1. Funding Schools
Show Us the Money!!!!

2. Where the Money Comes From (Digest of Education Statistics)
Local and intermediate sources
44%
State sources
48.4%
Federal sources
6.8%

3. Where Does It Go? Instruction Noninstruction
61.7%
Noninstruction
4.3%
Support and administration
34%

4. The Property Tax Primary method of local school funding
Originated in agrarian society of Colonial America
Wealth was measured in land
Dependent on the value of homes, businesses and property in the community

5. Problems with the Property Tax
Overly dependent on local wealth
Milford vs. Roxbury
South Central LA vs. Beverly Hills
Municipal overburden
Urban areas have greater need for law enforcement, medical services, transportation, etc.
Funds taken from same source as education

6. Reforming the System The Supreme Court votes against equal education!
San Antonio v. Rodriguez (1973)
Edgewood=$37/student; Alamo Heights=$412/student
Declared that there was no fundamental right to an education in the US Constitution
Deferred to the local districts in decisions about local control and funding

7. To the States State courts more likely to support education reform
Most state constitutions have a clause concerning education
Edgewood v. Kirby (1989)
Serrano v. Priest (1971)
Declared the local property tax system was grossly unfair.

8. ‘Thieving Bastards!!!’ Robin Hood Reformers Foundation Programs
Intent on redistributing wealth from wealthier to poorer districts
Foundation Programs
State provides funds to ensure a minimal level of educational services
Guaranteed Tax Base Program
Adds state funds to poor districts

9. Reaction Against Reform
Many Americans see school funding as primarily local
If a district is poor, that is a local concern.
Neighborhoods should keep their own money!
California
PROPOSITION 13
Limited any increase in property taxes to pay for education
Wealthy parents did not want to see transfer of wealth outside local area

10. The State Contribution
Sales Tax
30% of state’s income!
Higher in some states
Regressive
Poor people spend higher % of income than wealthy

11. The State Personal Income Tax 25% of state revenue
Dependent on personal incomes
Some states have lower average salaries than others!

12. The State STATE LOTTERY Used in 2/3rds of states
Supposedly used to SUPPLEMENT education budget
MOST STATES REPLACE EDUCATION FUNDING WITH LOTTERY MONEY!!!!!

13. Other State Sources Excise (Sin) Taxes Severance Taxes
Motor Vehicle License fees
Estate or gift taxes

14. The Federal Government
Supreme Court has ruled that there is no fundamental right to an education under the US Constitution
Feds cover only 6-8% of all costs

15. The Feds Categorical Grants Block Grants
Directed at specific categories and targeting specific needs
Block Grants
Lump sum of $ given to states with very few requirements
Little accountability in dispersal of funds

16. The Feds US Department of Education
Established in 1979 under President Carter
Researches, recommends, proposes legislation related to schools
Sometimes targeted for removal by some groups

17. The State and the Feds UNFUNDED MANDATES
Federal or state requirements that must be met or face violation of the law, but schools receive no funding to meet requirements
Usually involve accountability, accessibility issues