Just paid my $207.65 personal property tax bill, of which 65% ($136, .04640 mills) goes to the Little Rock School District, which got me wondering how taxpayers' money is being spent in the delivery of education to our students.
Of course, the bulk of local taxpayer investment comes from tax on real property (I'll post that number later). In addition, 32% of the district's revenue is footed by the state, with revenue generated by sales tax, income tax, etc.
For these reasons alone, all citizens are invested, and should be engaged, in the most effective and efficient use of the people's money.
However, those with no children in school or who send their children to private school(s) or who home school are marginalized by the special interests which dominate governance of the district as not being among the stakeholders. They consider "patrons," whatever that means, more entitled than citizens.
The Little Rock School District Detailed Budget 2010-11, in its Executive Summary Overview, projects revenues of $348,550,616.
The district receives $127,924,496 from local sources and $111,754,289 from state sources.
With 25,743 students (as reported to the State of Arkansas on October 1, 2010), that's $13,539.63 per year per student.
The Little Rock School District has 2,222 teachers (as reported January 2010). That's one teacher for every 12 students (11.59 to be exact).
The district has 49 total schools - 32 elementary, seven middle, five high and five non-traditional schools. That's one school for every 525 students.
The people provide ample resources for excellence. It's all about how those resources are (or are not) invested in our students.
Of course, the bulk of local taxpayer investment comes from tax on real property (I'll post that number later). In addition, 32% of the district's revenue is footed by the state, with revenue generated by sales tax, income tax, etc.
For these reasons alone, all citizens are invested, and should be engaged, in the most effective and efficient use of the people's money.
However, those with no children in school or who send their children to private school(s) or who home school are marginalized by the special interests which dominate governance of the district as not being among the stakeholders. They consider "patrons," whatever that means, more entitled than citizens.
The Little Rock School District Detailed Budget 2010-11, in its Executive Summary Overview, projects revenues of $348,550,616.
The district receives $127,924,496 from local sources and $111,754,289 from state sources.
With 25,743 students (as reported to the State of Arkansas on October 1, 2010), that's $13,539.63 per year per student.
The Little Rock School District has 2,222 teachers (as reported January 2010). That's one teacher for every 12 students (11.59 to be exact).
The district has 49 total schools - 32 elementary, seven middle, five high and five non-traditional schools. That's one school for every 525 students.
The people provide ample resources for excellence. It's all about how those resources are (or are not) invested in our students.
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