Question 1

How is school funding calculated?

Accepted Answer

State funding formulas calculate an 'adequacy target' for each district based on student needs (poverty, English learners, special education) and compare it to available local resources. Districts furthest from their target receive the most new state funding.

Question 2

What does the funding gap mean?

Accepted Answer

The funding gap is the difference between what a district needs (its adequacy target) and what it currently receives from all sources. A district at 90% of its adequacy target has a 10% funding gap. States aim to bring all districts to at least 90% adequacy over time.

Independence, MO

Independence School Funding