Notable Quotable
“It’s difficult to think about dollars and cents during a public health emergency, but policymakers need to start preparing now for a new fiscal reality. This means pursuing school finance reforms that optimize how education dollars are spent while minimizing the impact of funding cuts on disadvantaged students.” —Aaron Smith, Reason Foundation
In the News
COVID-19’s Economic Fallout Wreaks Havoc on Education Budgets
Policymakers and schools need to start preparing now for a new fiscal reality. Here are four things they can do.
How California’s Schools Can Best Adapt During Coronavirus Pandemic
Some districts are already innovating and the state might want to reconsider its recently imposed two-year moratorium on all new virtual charter schools.
Open Enrollment Provides Substantial Benefits to Students and Families
Examining the research on the benefits and challenges of inter-district school choice.
Research and Resources Spotlight
Policy Brief: A Roadmap to Fix Arizona School Finance
A new brief provides a comprehensive overview of Arizona’s school finance system, including recommendations for reform. “Paving the way for more progress requires that policymakers and thought leaders direct their attention beyond immediate concerns around expanding school choice or increasing teacher pay and examine the bedrock principles governing Arizona’s public school funding.”
How Competition from Charter Schools May Change Schools’ Budgeting Decisions
Results suggest that competition could improve outcomes for students who remain in traditional public schools by affecting the allocation of scarce education dollars.
Infographic: How South Carolina’s School Finance System Works
South Carolina’s school finance system is too restrictive and lawmakers should push spending decisions down to the local level.
Infographic: Solutions to Indiana’s School Finance Problems
Indiana should adopt a weighted-student funding model and reduce its reliance on local operating dollars even further.
Testimony: Missouri Can Expand Opportunities Across District Boundaries
A growing body of evidence shows that open enrollment provides substantial benefits to both kids and school districts.