Letters: Public sees few pluses to more school spending
In her commentary "Painful budget's bright side" (last Thursday), Susan Gobreski touts increases in education funding in Pennsylvania's latest budget. Then, in no uncertain terms, she announces the public backing of increased education spending.
In her commentary "Painful budget's bright side" (last Thursday), Susan Gobreski touts increases in education funding in Pennsylvania's latest budget. Then, in no uncertain terms, she announces the public backing of increased education spending.
While a question such as "Do you like children?" polls well, a recent Education Next poll noted that the public is underwhelmed by public schools' performance, and generally opposes increased education funding when given the facts about current spending. When asked, respondents significantly underestimated the actual dollars spent per–pupil at $4,000, when the true figure is about $10,000 nationally. When presented with this figure, only 38 percent say they support increased spending.
Education spending is hardly a bright side in Pennsylvania's budget. The accountability inherent in charter schools and cyber-charter schools linking spending with performance is not evident in the public school system. Public school per-pupil spending increased from $2,842 in 1981 to $13,183 in 2008 (nearly triple the rate of inflation), while academic performance has remained stagnant. More dollars have not, and never will, produce more scholars.
Abhilash Samuel
Research associate
Commonwealth Foundation
Harrisburg