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Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Education funding: Fact from Fiction From Delegate Kathy Szeliga

Governor Hogan's budget funded education at the highest level in Maryland history, $6.1 billion. Every jurisdiction received a 1% increase from a foundation formula they received last year. That formula is based on student population, wealth, and a number of other factors. Why are you hearing about "cuts to education?"

Prince George's County has declared that Gov. Hogan's budget would result in the layoffs of at least 400 teachers. PG Co received a $30 million increase in funding over last year. I'm sure they need a new accountant because a $30 million increase in funding should not lead to any teacher layoffs.

Only in government can an increase be called a cut. Here's how government math works.

Your boss gave you $100 last year for a gas supplement.

You ask your boss for $125 this year.

Your boss gives you $110 this year.

Regular people like you and me would consider this a $10 increase. Government accountants and politicians would call this a $15 cut.

The House Appropriations committee shifted some monies around in Gov. Hogan's budget and did increase the foundation funding for all school systems. Baltimore City is still facing a budget deficit, but that is a problem for Baltimore City to solve.

I support education funding. And I support more accountability. The federal audit done last year uncovered many inappropriate expenses from some school systems. I'm digging into some other public school funding issues and I will share them with you soon. In the meantime, I though you would be interested in knowing how much taxpayers are spending per pupil. These numbers do not include capital money spent to build buildings and do large repairs.

$17,322 per pupil - Worcester Co - #1

$16,740 per pupil - Baltimore City - #2

$14,407 per pupil - Baltimore County - #12

$13,073 per pupil - Harford County - #21

$12,636 per pupil - Talbot Co #23

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9 comments:

Steve said...

And private schools do the same job at a little over $6 per pupil.

Go figure...

Anonymous said...

way to go Dr Jerry - making WorCo #1
it continues to amaze me these educrats who make over $100K per year demand more and more of our tax dollars - up to 55% of tax revenues this year - oh, and don't forget that CONTINUOUS "non-recurring" budget item that is now double the $250K they demanded each of the last 2 years

Anonymous said...

Sounds like we need to fire the BOE and send all the students to private schools. Much cheaper in the long run!

Anonymous said...

I'm very surprised to see that Talbot County is dead last and equally surprised that Somerset County comes at 3rd highest.

Anonymous said...

Even with the MILLIONS of dollars being funneled through the new "Wor Co Education Foundation" by ruling class elites whose own children attend the Prep School, there is never enough $$ for the Worcester County schools. There must always be more. Why can't these highly-educated and well-paid bureaucrats find ways to SAVE money?

Anonymous said...

Retirees still pay for schools and have no children for years and they still steal from our retirement. So how much are they stealing from us this year? This issue should be covered not how stupid these educated administrators are. We already know their ignorance.

Anonymous said...

It is disgusting the amount of money wasted "per pupil" to turn out illiterate libtards

Anonymous said...

I'm 7:25 AM. It looks like I missed the "k" button! I meant just over $6k per year.

What on earth are they spending the other ten thousand dollars PER STUDENT on?????????

Anonymous said...

What is the percentage of special needs and economic disadvantage students are enrolled in local private schools?