State Legislature Testimony

Funding has been shown to play an non-trivial role in educational outcomes, institutional performance and advancement opportunities for students. However, the formulae, calculation factors and allocations relative to funding within the K-12 arena can be largely opaque to all those not steeped in the activity as profession. For this reason, we at ACEI feel its important for those whom take up the mantle of educational advocacy posses a starting knowledge of the origins of the funding model for public education as well as the current per pupil funding allocations within our target locales as related to the national average.

Origin of Public School Funding Model

  • Old Deluder Satan Act (MA Education Law of 1647) established the overreliance of public school funding on property taxes thereby creating a historical lineage of funding inequity

  • Fair and Equitable Funding formulae have been largely unsuccessful in their efforts to utilize lawsuits to challenge chronic underfunding and its contribution to poorer student outcomes.

Current State within ACEI’s Target Geographies

  • In the U.S., the National Average Funding Cost Per Pupil is $14,406 per pupil

  • In Denver Public Schools (Colorado), the average per pupil funding cost is is $10,500 ($3,906 below the national average)

  • In Los Angeles Public Schools (Southern California), the average per pupil funding cost is $11,231 ($3,175 below the national average)

  • In Phoenix Union (Arizona), the average per pupil funding cost is $12,461 ($1,945 below the national average)

Resolution

  • State Legislatures must be engaged to strongly consider equitable school funding formulae that take into consideration: poverty, performance, special needs and racial diversity. This is why advocacy and testimony before State Legislatures is a pillar in ACEI’s advocacy model.

How You Can Get Involved

  • Much of our efforts to interface with State Legislators will occur on and around our Alpha Day of Action. See our Alpha Day of Action page to find out how you can support.