Education formula’s numbers don’t add up
Legislative leaders may release the details of a new school funding formula as early as today. But the math of the plan still seems fuzzy.
The EdBuild consulting group’s proposal called for an additional $70 million from the state, and some reports say local school districts — meaning property owners — would be asked to put up another $120 million.
However, influential lawmakers have balked at the idea of more local money, saying no district will be expected to contribute more than the current level of 27 percent of spending. They also say no district will receive less money from the state, although EdBuild’s proposal sees that happening in 20 percent of districts.
If all that is true, the state will have to increase spending by much more than $70 million. And if that’s the case, why bother replacing the Mississippi Adequate Education Program?
