Abstract: This study examines data from 1995-2007 seeking to determine the fiscal impact on total district spending and per-pupil spending in Ohio's eight urban school districts since choice was authorized in 1995. It also examines the potential financial impact on the districts if the choice programs were eliminated. The document finds that traditional school enrollment in the eight urban districts declined by 25.8 percent between 1995 and 2007, with some of the migration due to choice programs. During the same period: total spending rose an average of 41.4 percent; per-pupil spending rose an average of 90.9 percent; and per-pupil spending adjusted for inflation rose an average of 58.4 percent. When a student leaves a traditional school for a public charter school or voucher program in Ohio, the traditional system loses all of the cost of educating that student but only some of the funding, as only the state funds follow the child. If the choice programs came to an end, the study projects that the school districts would experience an annual shortfall statewide of $386 million.
Resource Type: Research/ Reports (Non Federal) Resource Format: PDF File Target Audience: Policy Makers, Researchers Resource Topic: Accountability, Impact of Charter Schools
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