School Funding 101

Session 1 provided attendees with an introduction to school funding structures, including what goes in, what comes out, and why it matters. Additionally, attendees learned how state education funding formulas compare across the country and several ways to evaluate their adequacy and fairness. This session laid a foundation for future sessions, ensuring attendees can examine the many dimensions of school funding in Alabama.

1. How State and Local Dollars Fund Public Schools (Allovue)
2. Federal Education Funding: Where Does the Money Go? (US News and World Report, by Lauren Camera)
3. Common Sense and Fairness (EdBuild) — Only the following sections:
   • The Principles that Guide Stong Funding Formulas (p. 2, middle)
   • Introductions to Formula Types (p. 4, top)
   • Local Share and Property Tax Rates (pp. 20-21 — just the top of the second page)
4. 5 Things to Advance Equity in State Funding Systems (EdTrust)
5. Making the Grade 2023 (Education Law Center)