Another thing that might add meaning to these stats is the fact that all those who do not attend SPPS, that funding for those students go elsewhere. 24% of possible per pupil funding goes to other school districts. What can we do to see that funding stays in Saint Paul?
Here are the numbers I presented:
76% attend St. Paul Public School 15% attend non-public schools (private) 7% charter schools 2% other enrollment options (open enrollment, etc.)
I have a slightly different perspective on the issue of per pupil funding flowing out of St. Paul.
First of all. I believe that a very limited amount of money follows students to private schools. I was going to say that none does, but in fact, I believe that some dedicated funds do occasionally follow students to private schools for very specific purposes. The rest of the per pupil funding is in a sense lost to the district, but does not flow elsewhere.
Much of that can probably never be recovered, because a certain portion of the population believe strongly in religious education and our public schools cannot compete in the area of religious education.
For the 7% that attend charter schools. I am assuming that they are mostly still in St. Paul. While, they do take resources from SPPS which does cause problems, the money is still in St. Paul and is still funding public education.
I generally support charter schools (although I have concerns) and am not particularly concerned that some money is being diverted from the district to these schools. For one thing, it gives the district some motivation to figure out how to get these students back (and their funding), which might lead to better schools.
In my opinion, we are more likely to attract charter school students back to the district than many of the private school kids.
NOTE: The above stats do not show how much money flows into our district, from open enrollment. ANYONE?
Best wishes,
Tim Erickson Hamline Midway [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722
[EMAIL PROTECTED] iChat/AIM: stpaultim
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