State lawmakers have approved a 2012-13 school finance act that keeps average statewide funding flat at $6,474.24 per student, thanks to improved state revenues.
But the various factors used to calculate funding for individual districts mean many still face cuts. Those factors include cost of living, higher operating costs and enrollment declines.
Altogether, the School Finance Act provides $5.3 billion in school total program funding next year. The funding comes from state tax revenues, local property taxes and vehicle taxes.
Click in the box below to see what the act means for your district. The Colorado Department of Education calculated these figures using estimated district enrollments.
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Click here to load this Caspio Online Database.How the School Finance Act is expected to affect large districts, state average, biggest winner and loser
- Jefferson County – $6,308.92 per pupil, or 21 cents less per student compared to 2011-12
- Denver – $6,868.29 per pupil, or $4.58 less per student compared to 2011-12
- Douglas County – $6,218.82 per pupil, or $3.80 more per student compared to 2011-12
- Cherry Creek – $6,404.80 per pupil, or 36 cents less per student compared to 2011-12
- Adams 12-Five Star – $6,278.29 per pupil, or 56 cents less per student compared to 2011-12
- Aurora – $6,714.84 per pupil, or 24 cents more per student compared to 2011-12
- State average – $6,474.24 per pupil, or the same per student as in 2011-12
- District losing most – Deer Trail in Arapahoe County would receive $11,904.69 per pupil, or $179.14 less per student compared to 2011-12. The district’s enrollment is expected to grow from 157 students this year to 165 next year.
- District gaining most – Pawnee in Weld County would receive $15,098.72 per pupil, or $758.35 more per student compared to 2011-12. The district’s enrollment of 95 students is expected to drop to 88 next year.
Search tips and data notes
- Numbers in parenthesis are negative.
- To compare districts, hit “Ctrl” and click on as many names as you’d like to see.
- To see statewide averages, scroll down to “Totals” in the School District search box.
- “Total program funding” refers to the combination of state and local funds used to pay for basic school operations. Additional dollars such as federal funding, grants or local tax increases are not included in these numbers.
- Think your district’s data is in error? Email us at EdNews@EdNewsColorado.org.
Data source: Colorado Department of Education district funding spreadsheet.