“Something is limiting Utah’s ability to perform at a level that would be expected for a state with its demographic profile. With per-pupil funding $3,000 lower than its peer-group average, financial limitations are a likely limiting factor.” Utah Foundation
Utah cut public education spending for the 2009-10 school year and plans to cut it again for the 2010-11. We feel it’s important that you know what Utah’s school children are going without because of these cuts and the constant ratcheting down of the revenue effort used to fund public education. Some of Utah’s policymakers consider reducing the ongoing revenue stream to public education sound policy in good economic times as well as in bad. These recent budget cuts and this constant reduction to revenue effort affects what Utah students experience in terms of class size and support services that impact student achievement. Research outlining Utah’s tax policy changes show that over 1 billion dollars a year have been eroded from public education funding.
If you are reading this blog, you’re probably already familiar with the statistics that show Utah last in the nation in per pupil spending, but what do the students in other states have that Utah students do not? Utah spent an average of $5,437 per pupil in 2005-06, compared to $9,138 nationally. Thus, the gap between Utah and U.S. average per pupil expenditures during that period was $3,702. That difference increased to $3,977 in 2006-07, which is the most current period for which such statistics are available. Follow the discussions concerning this year’s public education budget at: http://twitter.com/UTPS
In the report issued by the Utah Foundation entitled “What Can $3,702 Buy? How Utah Compares in Education Spending and Services,” it indicates that Utah’s students get less and have lower achievement than five peer states. The report shows Utah’s five peer states (identified in Utah Foundation’s 2007 report as being demographically similar to Utah) spent between $7,700 and $10,000 per pupil. Utah scored lowest on NAEP of all of its peer states in every category. The states scoring lower than Utah are almost all states that struggle with entrenched poverty, heavy immigration or other demographic disadvantages. Those with similar demographics to Utah scored higher.
Utah Students have Larger Classes
Utah Students have fewer Counselors
Utah Students have Larger School Districts
Utah Foundation states in its report, School Testing Results, 2006 & 2007: How Utah Compares to Other States—” The report finds that Utah is scoring well below what would be expected for a state with its demographic profile. In math, reading, and science tests for 8th graders, Utah ranked 30th (math), 29th (reading), and 18th (science). But if Utah were in the middle of its demographic peers, it would score in the top 10 nationally in science and in the top 15 states for math and reading. Utah’s closest overall peer states are South Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska. These are generally high-scoring states, and Utah falls behind each of them in each test examined.”
When Compared to Peer States Utah Scores Last
It is imperative we have a tax system that is fair, equitable, broad-based, stable, and in sync with our economy, along with a school funding system that meets the needs of our children, ensuring adequate class sizes and quality educational opportunities for all students. The revenues invested in public schools are an investment in our state’s future. Public education should be funded at a level that meets the educational needs of Utah’s children, which will help to ensure the state’s economic future.
