How Much is a Student Worth? Analyzing the Impact of School Funding on Student Opportunity?

Abstract

There are far too many K-12 public school students in the United States that are the product of inadequate school funding. The effects of insufficient school funding have been shown to be especially detrimental to low-income and non-White school districts. Nationwide, it is reported that non-White school districts receive $23 billion less than White school districts. In a country that only allocates about $70 billion dollars total for educational funding, this is especially problematic. The issue is further perpetuated by states who have regressive income tax laws. Schools are typically funded through property taxes, yet many states utilize a regressive income tax. Regressive taxation punishes school districts that are poorer. This often results in smaller budgets and less per-pupil funding. Upon literature review, it was revealed that administrators are forced to make budgetary cuts to programming and staffing. By paying attention to low- income communities, more states should adopt a progressive income tax to ensure that funding is equitably distributed between districts. Additionally, state and local governments should develop community school programs to improve social and educational performance. Lastly, governments should also invest in summer learning programs to lessen opportunity gaps and minimize summer learning loss.