Question 1

What does per-pupil spending include?

Accepted Answer

Per-pupil spending (operating expenditure per pupil) includes teacher and staff salaries, benefits, instructional materials, building maintenance, transportation, and administrative costs. It does not include capital construction or debt service payments.

Question 2

Why do some districts spend more per pupil than others?

Accepted Answer

Spending differences reflect local property tax wealth, student population needs (special education and English learner services cost more), labor market conditions (suburban districts often pay higher salaries), building age and maintenance needs, and transportation costs for geographically larger districts.

Question 3

What are the main revenue sources for school districts?

Accepted Answer

School districts receive funding from three main sources: local property taxes, state aid, and federal grants like Title I and IDEA. The exact mix varies significantly by district wealth and student demographics.

Tacoma, WA

Tacoma School Spending

School Spending — 2025i