Public school funding varies widely by community with serious implications for the ability of Idaho’s children to reach their full potential, according to a new report on education finance from the Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy.
Twenty-two school districts don’t have any local revenue and the remainder raise anywhere from $119 to $6,818 per student. The Center’s report found that the same tax rate would generate 13 times more revenue per student in Blaine County School District than in the Blackfoot School District.
“These disparities are primarily driven by low state investment and differences in property wealth across districts,” said Sasha Pierson, policy analyst with the Center. Over-reliance on supplemental levies puts children on an unequal playing field when it comes to educational opportunity and presents obstacles for children of color.
To continue reading this report, please open the PDF here.