PRESS RELEASE
May 29, 2008

Contact: Stephen Kroes, President, Utah Foundation
(801) 355-1400, ext. 5

EDUCATION SPENDING: HOW UTAH’S LOW PER-PUPIL FUNDING AFFECTS SCHOOLS AND LEARNING

Utah Foundation today released a research report examining Utah’s per-pupil spending on public education and its impacts on schools and opportunities for learning. The report, entitled, “What Can $3,702 Buy? How Utah Compares in Education Spending and Services,” is available at www.utahfoundation.org. An executive summary is also attached to this release and available on the website.

This report looks deeper into the differences in education spending between Utah and the U.S. average, comparing specific spending categories, such as instruction, teacher salaries, pupil support, and administration. The report also compares Utah to five demographic peer states identified in a 2007 report comparing test scores.

The following are the major findings from the report. 

• Utah spent an average of $5,437 per pupil in 2005-2006, compared to $9,138 nationally.  The gap between Utah and U.S. average per pupil expenditures equals $3,702.  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.
• About half the difference between Utah and the U.S. in average per-pupil spending is accounted for by Utah’s large class sizes and comparatively lower teacher pay.  Research suggests that under the correct conditions, higher pay and smaller classes can increase student achievement.
• Lower spending on support services (pupil and staff support, transportation, administration, and maintenance) accounts for another 42% of the U.S.-Utah spending gap.  This spending difference is partly explained by Utah’s large schools and districts.  Most research on school size and district size points to advantages in school climate and student performance with smaller sizes, particularly for poor and minority students.
• Utah school officials believe that lower spending on instruction, pupil support, and staff support negatively impacts student performance. They also feel that Utah’s lower spending on administration, maintenance, and transportation are not generally harmful to education outcomes.

Regarding the report’s findings, Utah Foundation President Stephen Kroes said, “Having larger class sizes, lower-paid teachers, fewer librarians, larger schools and districts, and higher student-to-staff ratios in almost every category are indications of schools adapting to low resource levels. But by merely ‘getting by’ within these constraints, our schools do not appear poised for excellence.”

Education consultant and author of the report Elizabeth Escandon said, “Utah cannot hope for better educational outcomes by doing more of the same.  We need to make sure we're spending our current dollars as effectively as possible, and then increase spending to fund proven programs or promising pilot programs.”

The report is freely available to the public on the web at www.utahfoundation.org.

***

The mission of Utah Foundation is to promote a thriving economy, a well-prepared workforce, and a high quality of life for Utahns by performing thorough, well-supported research that helps policymakers, business and community leaders, and citizens better understand complex issues and providing practical, well-reasoned recommendations for policy change.