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What does it cost to educate a child?

Critics say money doesn’t equal achievement

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By Lindsey Hilty, Staff Writer Updated 7:21 AM Monday, October 5, 2009

Across the state last year, school districts spent anywhere from $7,000 to more than $20,000 per pupil, averaging about $9,000 to fund a child’s education.

While school officials say the variation is based on many factors — including cost of living, the type of student population, how challenging it is to attract teachers and how willing taxpayers are to pass a levy — it hasn’t been clear how much it costs to successfully educate a student.

Gov. Ted Strickland has said his new funding plan identifies characteristics of a quality education and how much it will cost to fund it. His program, he said, will not only create accountability, but it will ensure necessary programs are funded to further success.

Per student, two years ago Fairfield spent $8,191, Lakota spent $9,129 and Monroe spent $8,302.

The new model specifies how districts allocate funds, but Monroe Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli said districts still are waiting for final instructions before determining the bottom line. And, she said, the local cost per pupil may increase depending on when districts implement the mandated all-day kindergarten.

“We need to wait on the state for that before we can act,” she said.

Governor spokeswoman Amanda Wurst said specific funding is allocated for staffing, technology, text books and instructional materials. Districts will be required to account for those funds through detailed reports.

Lakota Treasurer Craig Jones said this model allocates less state money to many Butler County districts, and focuses on funding streams versus cost per pupil, which is impacted by things like union contracts.

Districts with high property values and income pay more locally than the state sends back. So, districts will get a percentage of the cost to fulfill mandates, but must make up the greater portion of them.

Fairfield Superintendent Cathy Milligan said each district’s student population is different.

“If the money is spent on the right programs, and those programs are carried out well, it would likely increase student achievement even further,” she said. “But there’s no way to know or guarantee how that will compare to what another district is doing.”

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