16 Jan 2008, Carol Merz Frankel
Presented at 2007 ISBF symposium School Board Research: Main Lines of Inquiry
Presenter: Carol Merz Frankel
Topic: Equity and the Future of School Funding
Key points/highlights/overview of the research presented
The research focuses on equity in school funding, studying a variety of issues in a group of states. The issues studied include:
• Equity in state funding
a. How is education funding structured in the state? (What body provides the funds? How do they raise the funds?)
b. Adequacy in funding is the next law suit challenge for states
• School district or school foundations and whether or not they are equalizing fund equity.
• State regulations that take funding decisions out of the local hands.
• The need for expectations to focus on school outcomes, not just on funding.
The presentation included a discussion of the researcher’s review of funding equity issues in a number of states. The key points, by state, were as follows:
Alabama
• 67% of school funding comes from the state, raised through income and sales taxes.
Arkansas
• “Adequacy” and “Equity” funding law suit state
• 25 mils in state pool for sharing
California
• 90% of school funding comes from the state.
• None of the funds are derived from property taxes.
• There is more of a focus on outcomes than on funding levels
• Serona Decision
Prop. 13 legislated
a. Developed foundation funding with earmarks - little discretionary funding
b. Sales and income tax believed to be the panacea to respond to no longer using property tax
Georgia
• 17 districts make up 85% of state population
• Eliminates property taxes and will use sales tax
Illinois
• There is a large imbalance in school funding imbalance due to the fact that the majority of school funds are derived from local property taxes.
Iowa
• Opposite of “Separate but Equal” education legislation
• Equity in outcomes is the right question
Maine
• There is no mention in the state constitution about the state’s role in providing education
Massachusetts
• Use foundation funding like CA
New York
• Defined “Adequate” education as the 8th grade level
Oregon
• The state constitution says very little about funding for education.
Washington
a. The state constitution’s education clause states that it is the paramount duty of the state to provide amply funding.
Key findings/conclusions
Equity in outcomes is the right question. States and districts are striving to find the right balance between public and private funding for schools.
New ideas that surfaced as a result of the research
Some states are establishing foundations with specific funding earmarks. There is great variance in state roles for education funding. The greatest level of commitment comes from parents of students in local schools. Depending on cultural background and economic viability, many are willing to pump funds into foundations to support their local school.
The potential impact of this research on the practice of governing schools
School leaders need to continually stay abreast of changes in school funding research and work with local and state legislators to advocate for appropriate passage of just school funding laws.
Future implications for research or practice as a result of this research
Researchers should continue to study the impact of vouchers, foundation funding, and the use of various state tax structures on the equity and adequacy of school funding.
Questions/discussion areas that surfaced from participants
What will be the impact of private funding on future equity and adequacy of public education?