K-12 Funding: The Formulas Used by States and Potential Legislative-Led Reforms (Webinar)
The discussion on what constitutes effective statewide school funding has evolved greatly in recent years. This webinar explored the varying approaches currently employed by states as well as recent discussions on potential models of reform. Designed for legislators and legislative staff, and open to all, this learning opportunity was co-hosted by the Midwestern Legislative Conference Education & Workforce Committee and Fiscal Affairs Forum.
State legislatures are having to fund schools amid fiscal uncertainty, declines in public school enrollment, and changes made by the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, there is a renewed emphasis on ensuring funding levels are equitable for all schools and students regardless of ZIP code. As a result, lawmakers are re-evaluating the specific formulas and revenue sources their states rely upon to fund K-12 schools.
This webinar provided a large-scale look at the different ways states in the region fund public schools, as well as highlighted on-the-ground insights on some of the recent conversations being held in legislative-created commissions that are tasked with reforming state funding formulas.