Arkansas Public School Funding: A Local Perspective
In Arkansas, the per-pupil costs for public schools vary from district to district. The state’s student-based funding formula provides a foundation amount for every student, but additional amounts are granted based on various factors such as grade levels, English-language learners, low-income students, and students with special needs.
The funding matrix used to calculate per-student expenses in Arkansas ensures that students have access to equal opportunities. This includes funding for teacher salaries, technological resources, and other essential educational tools. Despite these efforts, Arkansas’s per-pupil costs still range widely, from ,951 to ,162 annually.
In 2026 and 2027, Arkansas plans to increase state funding to ,162 and ,371 per pupil, respectively. This move reflects the state’s commitment to investing in its education system and addressing evolving needs such as school safety and mental health support.
Factors Influencing Funding Variations
- Special Needs Students: Funding for students with special needs or requiring additional support is a major component of the overall expense. Some districts may have higher numbers of students in this category, leading to increased funding needs.
- English-Language Learners: Districts with high populations of English-language learners might receive additional funds to support language acquisition programs and bilingual education services.
- Low-Income Students: Schools with a higher proportion of low-income students may receive extra funding to help bridge the educational equity gap.
- Career and Technical Education: Students enrolled in career and technical education programs are also eligible for additional funding to support hands-on learning experiences.
State Initiatives to Address Funding Gaps
The Arkansas General Assembly has a long history of prioritizing education funding. The foundation funding model established in 2003 has been instrumental in determining essential resources needed for an adequate education.
Lately, the LEARNS Act has played a significant role in teacher salary increases, providing nearly 3 million in new state education funding, which translates to roughly 5 more per pupil. This increase indicates a growing recognition of the need to improve teacher compensation and attract top talent to the state’s public schools.
When compared to national averages, Arkansas’s per-pupil funding has historically been lower. However, recent trends suggest that this gap is narrowing. The state’s spending trend is moving upwards, with the latest projections indicating that the gap between Arkansas and the national average has been reduced to only between 0 and 0 per pupil.
Local Spending vs National Benchmark
Arkansas’s spending on education falls within the range of peer states and is close to the national average when adjusted for cross-state cost differences. While this data indicates stability and middle-ground positioning within regional comparisons, it also underscores the need for sustained investment to continue narrowing the funding gap.
