In case you hadn’t noticed, the 2010-2011 school years has started in a large quantity of districts across the country. Even if your school is one that waits until after the Labor Day holiday to round the kids back to homeroom, the year’s budget has been approved and implemented, with our without Race to the Top funds.
According to the U.S. Department of Education's "Revenues and Expenditures for Public Elementary and Secondary School Districts: Fiscal Year 2008", the average school district have median revenues of $11,259 per pupil and median current expenditures of $9,509 per pupil.
While federal and state finances come to bear for a good portion of the costs, it’s no secret that school revenue and financing does not meet most district costs for the entire school year. Schools across the nation are taking action to curb necessary spending or increase necessary revenue, so the funds the schools have in their yearly budget go towards the student expenses, and not extraneous costs.
Increased Start up Expenses
Back to school lists have grown over the years to become a significant cost for parents at the beginning of the school year. However, considering the ongoing economic downturn and struggling schools, there may be additional expenses beyond the normal crayons or scissors. Many schools will be looking for cleaning supplies or sanitary products like tissues and hand soap to keep their cost per student ratio effective.
Charging for Unexcused Absences?
Far from the norm in practice, one inventive school system in California has opted to charge a nominal fee for any student that misses school voluntarily. If your child is not sick or injured, then the fine applies. It is a legally questionable move, but parents acquiesced to the fines to the tune of $2000 within two weeks of the process being implemented.
Donations and fundraisers will still be in the plans for the coming school year, but parents need to keep an open mind to any new practices within their own school districts as they attempt to offer the best education they can to their students.
Posted By: Paul Adams
Monday, September 13th 2010 at 5:43PM
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