What’s measured Expenditures per pupil in public schools, excluding capital expenditures, are available from state government sources for each local district. A regional figure was estimated for each school year from 2000-01 through 2004-05 by multiplying expenditures per pupil by enrollment figures for each school district. The sum of total expenditures across all districts was divided by the total regional enrollment to estimate the regional expenditure per pupil. The regional average for 2005-06 was not calculated because enrollment data were not available from the same source for that school year. Data came from the North Carolina Public Schools Statistical Abstract (multiple years) and the South Carolina Department of Education. U.S. figures are from the National Center for Education Statistics. Why it’s measured Spending per pupil shows the financial resources available in the public schools throughout the region. Indicator results The estimated regional average, calculated from 2004-05 enrollment data, is $7,041. That puts the region below both the North Carolina and South Carolina figures for that year ($7,328 and $7,350, respectively). In fact, the regional average is below North Carolina, South Carolina and national averages for all years available for comparison. Within the region, only five districts are at or above their state averages in 2004-05. Evaluation The regional average has been rising, but has remained below state and national averages. Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s student population and expenditures are a large influence on the region’s average. Outside of Mecklenburg, regional expenditure rates are often quite low in comparison to state averages. In comparing expenditure rates within the region, many slower-growing rural counties have higher per pupil expenditures than rapidly growing suburban districts. This may reflect increased state and federal funding for districts with higher percentages of low-income families, as well as other factors. Connections Since spending reflects support from local, state and federal sources, it represents the resources public school districts can draw upon for their unique set of issues and challenges. These resources are applied to everything from the basics of school operations to programs designed to address special needs and poverty. These special programs, in particular, tie in with social well-being, health and public safety.
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