A new study released yesterday by the Civitas Institute evaluates government education spending and academic results across all local school districts in NC. A few key findings from the study include:
- The statewide average total cost to taxpayer to produce each high school graduate is about $150,000. This factors in the expenses of educating children who end of dropping out. The figure does not include capital expenses, federal school lunch programs, debt service or transportation costs. Adding these costs can typically increase per pupil spending by up to 25 percent
- Hyde County has the highest cost per diploma at $266,831, while Randolph County has the lowest per pupil costs to graduate at $114,129. Why the massive discrepancy?
- More spending does not equal higher levels of academic results. When comparing the 20 highest spending districts with the 20 lowest spending districts, it is actually the 20 lowest spending districts that show better results
Check out the study and see where your school district ranks.