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Funding for Public Schools in Colorado. School Finance Partnership June 7, 2011. Federal, State, and Local Funding for Public Schools. I: School Finance Act Formula. Per Pupil Funding.
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Funding for Public Schools in Colorado School Finance Partnership June 7, 2011
Per Pupil Funding • The formula calculates a per pupil funding level for each school district, including the statewide base ($5,635 for FY 11-12) plus additional funding based on district characteristics: + the cost of living relative to other districts + size of district (enrollment) + the presence of “at-risk” students
Unique Per Pupil Funding • The formula guarantees a minimum level of funding per pupil regardless of the impact of the factors (95% of the statewide average). • The formula provides a flat rate of funding for two types of students: • On-line students in multi-district programs • Students in their fifth year of high school participating in a specific concurrent enrollment program (ASCENT)
Funded Pupil Count • The formula provides 100% of the per pupil funding (PPF) amount for each pupil enrolled as of October, except: • Preschool students (50% PPF) • Kindergarten students (58% PPF) • Part-time students (50% PPF) • Districts with declining enrollment may average counts for up to 5 years
Per Pupil Funding Calculation – Two Examples $8,059 $6,354
The Negative Factor • Beginning in FY 2010-11, the formula has also included a “negative factor” designed to reduce districts’ total program funding to a specified dollar amount. • The negative factor is applied after the formula described above: • FY 2010-11: -6.5% ($598M) • FY 2011-12 estim.: -12.9% ($774M)
School Finance:Total Program Funding by Component, With and Without Negative Factor
Other Funds Available to Districts • State law allows school districts to raise and spend additional property taxes for: • School operations (called “overrides”) • Capital construction projects (usually through issuing bonds) • Transportation expenses (including capital) • Full-day kindergarten • Instructional technology • Districts may also charge fees (e.g., full-day kindergarten, transportation, athletics)