School Funding Formulas

In looking at the formulas for funding of our schools one article I read from our readings list was from the TASBO site entitled, "Tracking the Educational Dollar". On page 3 of the article it references a chart that tracks the breakdown of an educational dollar from the perspective of a Texas public school student. Even though this chart is a few years old, I found the breakdown to be very interesting and informative. Since every penny counts in dealing with funding of any kind, if you haven't had a chance to read this you might want to give it a look.
The school district funding falls into three categories: local, state and federal.

Property tax is one source of funding that continues to influence each district individually. This is a very important part of school funding and can influence what districts can or cannot do. This funding source continues to make a difference in districts because of the variations of property values throughout the state.

Weighted funding is also a way districts obtain financial support. In Weighted Average Daily Attendance students with additional educational needs are weighted for funding purposes to help recognize the additional costs of educating those students. Weighted programs include special education, vocational, bilingual, gifted and talented, and compensatory education. a weighted student count is used to distribute guaranteed yield funding. Many districts can benefit from the WADA if their district has large enough numbers in the areas of funding. The area I am most familiar with is that of gifted and talented. In teaching that for many years, my district supported the program and WADA helped us implement it to address the student population need.

Federal Funding is an area of much concern at the moment. All levels of funding are being affected with the financial situation of our country. I am becoming more familiar with the area of Title One Funds. I am a Title One school and am waiting on the budget to see exactly what my finances will be in this area. Without funding from Federal moneys local districts may have to reduce or remove opportunities that we have had in the past. School finance today is suffering in all areas.