The Natural State provides 51% of per pupil spending for public K-12 education compared to Mississippi at 50% and Tennessee at 48%. Louisiana contributes 44%, Texas 38% and Missouri 31%, according to the Education Commission of the States, an education policy research organization.While Arkansas shells out a higher percentage than its neighbors, less money is spent on students overall. Arkansas’ per pupil expenditures for public K-12 is $12,139, compared to the national average of $15,518.
There were nearly 170 K-12 funding bills enacted in all but two states in 2023, according to Christopher Duncombe, a senior policy analyst for ECS. More from this section Texarkana leaders consider change to fireworks ordinance 31.2% Of Arkansas Halloween Shopping Occurs Before October Another legislative trend identified in school spending was changing how states count students for funding purposes, Duncombe said.
Arkansas passed sweeping education changes earlier this year with the LEARNS Act, including provisions for universal school choice and raising teacher pay. The legislation means a $298 million investment in the first year – an increase of $150 million.