Although the state budget for K-12 schools has increased due to increased enrollment, these dollars have not kept pace with inflation. In fact, when measured on a per-student basis, state funding lags behind inflation by $535. This loss against inflation has meant that spending power has decreased, even though there appears to be more money available to schools.

As the state reduces the inflation-adjusted per-student funding it sends to districts, either due to inflation or cuts, schools must either cut programs or find money locally. Consequently, school districts have become more dependent on raising local funds through levies.

Legislative cuts and changes to funding formulas have also resulted in fewer dollars going to school districts. Although Initiative 728 has been fully funded to date, cuts have been made to other K-12 programs. School districts often must use new initiative money to minimize the impact of those cuts, reducing the expected benefits of the initiative. Likewise, legislative interpretation of Initiative 732, the COLA initiative, has resulted in fewer than expected state dollars to districts to cover the salary increases. The legal requirements on districts to provide the increases remain, and districts must find local funds to cover the gap.

It is important to remember that all these funding challenges come as expectations for our students and schools are increasing. As a state, we have promised that all our children can and will learn at higher levels. As a state, we decided that our economy, our business success, and the well-being of our children requires that they learn at higher levels. Thoughtful observers must move from asking if schools have enough money, to how we can make sure students have the tools they need to succeed. Our one million school children depend on it!

— Adapted from the League of Education Voters Foundation