Funding for Public Schools in Colorado School Finance Partnership June 7, 2011

Federal, State, and Local Funding for Public Schools

I: School Finance Act Formula Per Pupil Funding Funded Pupil Count Total Program Funding

Per Pupil Funding The formula calculates a per pupil funding level for each school district, including the statewide base ($5,635 for FY 11-12) plus additional funding based on district characteristics: The formula calculates a per pupil funding level for each school district, including the statewide base ($5,635 for FY 11-12) plus additional funding based on district characteristics: + the cost of living relative to other districts + size of district (enrollment) + the presence of at-risk students

Unique Per Pupil Funding The formula guarantees a minimum level of funding per pupil regardless of the impact of the factors (95% of the statewide average). The formula guarantees a minimum level of funding per pupil regardless of the impact of the factors (95% of the statewide average). The formula provides a flat rate of funding for two types of students: The formula provides a flat rate of funding for two types of students: –On-line students in multi-district programs –Students in their fifth year of high school participating in a specific concurrent enrollment program (ASCENT)

Funded Pupil Count The formula provides 100% of the per pupil funding (PPF) amount for each pupil enrolled as of October, except: The formula provides 100% of the per pupil funding (PPF) amount for each pupil enrolled as of October, except: –Preschool students (50% PPF) –Kindergarten students (58% PPF) –Part-time students (50% PPF) Districts with declining enrollment may average counts for up to 5 years Districts with declining enrollment may average counts for up to 5 years

Per Pupil Funding Calculation – Two Examples $8,059 $6,354

Total Program Funding Calculation – Two Examples Component District ADistrict B Preliminary Per Pupil Funding X Enrollment$190,620,000$3,626,550 At Risk Funding$8,950,000$91,600 On-line/ ASCENT Funding$501,000$133,400 Total Program Funding (prior to negative factor)$200,071,000$3,851,550 Total Funding Per Pupil$6,669$8,559

The Negative Factor Beginning in FY , the formula has also included a negative factor designed to reduce districts total program funding to a specified dollar amount. Beginning in FY , the formula has also included a negative factor designed to reduce districts total program funding to a specified dollar amount. The negative factor is applied after the formula described above: The negative factor is applied after the formula described above: –FY : -6.5% ($598M) –FY estim.: -12.9% ($774M)

School Finance: Total Program Funding by Component, With and Without Negative Factor

II. Categorical Programs

III. Other Federal Funds

IV. Other State Funds

Other Funds Available to Districts State law allows school districts to raise and spend additional property taxes for: State law allows school districts to raise and spend additional property taxes for: –School operations (called overrides) –Capital construction projects (usually through issuing bonds) –Transportation expenses (including capital) –Full-day kindergarten –Instructional technology Districts may also charge fees (e.g., full-day kindergarten, transportation, athletics) Districts may also charge fees (e.g., full-day kindergarten, transportation, athletics)

Federal, State, and Local Funding for Public Schools