Education Commission of the States Governmental Research Association Annual Policy Conference Washington, D.C. August, 2014 Michael Griffith School Finance Consultant Education Commission of the States 1

 Founded in 1965 to enlighten, equip and engage education policy makers  Provides nonpartisan unbiased advice to policymakers throughout the country  53 member states, territories and the District of Columbia  Web Site: 2

Education Commission of the States ECS School Funding Study The status of education revenue School funding issues State solutions 3

Education Commission of the States Total State Tax Revenue 4 Source: U.S. Census

Education Commission of the States Percentage Change in State Tax Revenue 5

Education Commission of the States Federal & State K-12 Expenditures 6

Education Commission of the States Local Education Funding (Numbers in $1,000) 7 Source: U.S. Census

Education Commission of the States Expenditures Per Pupil 8 Source: U.S. Census

Education Commission of the States What Has Been Cut? Transportation Capital expenditures Technology Textbooks Supplies Equipment 9

Education Commission of the States What’s Happening Now in States? Reviewing/studying funding formulas Funding for high-need students – At-risk – ELL – Special education Addressing state specific issues 10

School Funding Activity Studies – Alabama – Kentucky – Maine – Maryland – Montana – South Dakota Litigation – Texas – Washington Committees/Panels/Meetings – Arizona – Illinois – Nevada – Pennsylvania – Tennessee 11

Education Commission of the States High-Need Students At-risk – A new measure for at-risk – Funding levels and expectations – Addressing the idea of density ELL – Addressing it within the formula – Should there be a time limit? – Incentives for moving students off ELL 12

Education Commission of the States Special Education 1 st generation – Single weight 2 nd generation – Multi-level based on disability 3 rd generation – Based on services provided Some states moving toward “census based” systems 13

Education Commission of the States Six Hot Topics 1.Adequate funding? 2.Determining a district’s wealth 3.Shrinking school districts 4.School district consolidation 5.Education reserve funds 6.Fiscal emergency/State takeover 14

Education Commission of the States For More Information 15 Education Commission of the States 700 Broadway, Suite 810 Denver, Colorado (303)