ERIC Number: ED672192
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Jun
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Washington School Finance: Exploring the History and Present-Day Challenges for Fiscal Equity. EdWorkingPaper No. 23-702
David S. Knight; Pooya Almasi; JoLynn Berge
Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
In this forthcoming book chapter, the authors provide an in-depth description of the history and current issues pertaining to public school finance in Washington State, including how recent federal stimulus funding impacted resource levels. The state uses a resource-based funding model, where the amount of funds each school district receives is based on the district's enrollment level and a series of staffing ratios and salary schedules. In contrast, most U.S. states use a simpler, dollar-based funding formula that determines district funding levels using a per-student dollar amount. Dollar-based funding models typically include student weights that drive more state funds to school districts with greater need. Washington's resource-based model does not have weights and provides approximately equal per-pupil state funding regardless of local need. When combined with the state's local tax revenues, Washington's K-12 finance system provides higher per-pupil funding levels to districts serving wealthier student populations. The system creates racial funding gaps that systematically disadvantage Latinx and Pacific Islander students. Federal COVID-19 stimulus funds were allocated progressively with respect to student income level; however, these funds are temporary, and districts may need to reduce budgets or identify additional funds once the federal stimulus is expended. The chapter concludes with recommendations for further reading.
Descriptors: Educational Finance, Educational Equity (Finance), Public Schools, Federal Aid, School District Wealth, School District Spending, Expenditure per Student, Elementary Secondary Education, Economically Disadvantaged, Federal Legislation, COVID-19, Pandemics, Emergency Programs, Grants
Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. Brown University Box 1985, Providence, RI 02912. Tel: 401-863-7990; Fax: 401-863-1290; e-mail: annenberg@brown.edu; Web site: https://annenberg.brown.edu/
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
Identifiers - Location: Washington
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act 2020; American Rescue Plan Act 2021; Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A