- Advertisement -Study Analyzes Virginia’s K-12 Education FundingVirginia school divisions receive less K-12 funding per student than the 50-state average and the regional average, equating to approximately $1,900 per student in state underfunding. The current SOQs dramatically underestimate the actual costs of public education, providing $6.6 billion less than what was spent by local school divisions in FY 2021. Virginia School Divisions Underfunded Due to Flaws in Funding FormulaAs seen on a new study conducted by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), Virginia school divisions are underfunded in large part due to flaws and inadequacies in the state’s Standards of Quality (SOQ) funding formula. Underestimation of School Division CostsThe current SOQ formula systematically underestimates school division costs, using Great Recession-era cost reduction measures and failing to adequately account for local labor costs. This has led to a decline in per pupil state funding for special education students by 16% over the last 10 years.

Source: Washington Post November 13, 2023 15:58 UTC