Desert Messenger

January 1, 2014 25 www.DesertMessenger.com State near bottom of education spending Submitted by Jacque Price, QES Superintendent The following message is from Chuck Essigs of AASBO (Arizona Association of School Business Officials). He is one of the most knowledgeable people we have on educational funding issues in Arizona. Please read the reports and consider contacting our Arizona Legislators and U.S. Congressional Representatives and Senators re: our low funding levels for K-12 schools in Arizona. Money isn't everything, but being able to pay for teacher expertise, technology, and up to date curricular materials (digital and print) is key to raising our students' achievement, when compared to other students and schools across the country. "This time of year I always get a number of questions regarding the level of funding for K-12 education in Arizona. When we look at Public Education Finances: 2011, the latest annual report from the United States Census Bureau, current K-12 operational expenditures for FY 2011 for Arizona were reported at $7666 per pupil. Arizona ranked 47th above only Oklahoma, Idaho, and Utah. Arizona expenditures per pupil were 27.4% below the United States average of $10,560. This report also lists total per pupil K-12 education revenue which includes all state, federal, and local revenue with the United States per pupil average being $12,411 and with Arizona being at $8,806. Under this all state, federal, and local revenue analysis Arizona also ranked 47th above only Tennessee, Idaho, and Utah. At $8806 Arizona was 29.0% below the United States average. To look at the complete report from the United States Census Bureau go to http://capwiz.com/aasbo/utr/1/KFAGTNYYCO/ GNTCTNZYSH/10054152456/. Per pupil spending and revenue in Arizona is low with 46 other states above us. Recently, the Morrison Institute for Public Policy at Arizona State University released a report Arizona's Education Financing Elementary and Secondary Education: 2002-2011. This report included the statement "The numbers show that Arizona has one of the lowest funding rates in the country". You can look at the Morrison Institute for Public Policy report on our AASBO Website at www.aasbo.org under the Quick Link to "Legislative Information and Chuck's Updates". It is time to move the debate from how low we are to how we want to fund the education future for our students." HWY. 50-95 ROCK SHOP NOW IN QUARTZSITE! Lapidary Tools & Supplies, Beads, Findings, Wire, Gift Items, Mineral Specimens, Rough Rock, Slabs, Jewelry, Turquoise- Rough, Jewelry & Huge Selection of Cabs. Dealer for Lortone, Barranca, Estwing, Diamond Pacific, Inland, Raytech & others. MOST BEADS & FINDINGS 50% OFF HUGE SELECTION OF NEW & USED EQUIPMENT OPEN Mon-Fri 11-4 On Hwy. 95 N between Best Auto & Grubstake. 645 N. Central Blvd., Quartzsite 775-781-2047 cell Blue Diamond Turquoise Hand Rolled Beads by William Murdoch Revival January 10, 11, & 12 at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 12 at 10:00 a.m. Community Bible Church of Quartzsite 375 E. Sunrise St. Love offering

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