Virginia spends less on education than neighboring states.

Casper Wong July 22, 2023 Education & Career

Virginia’s Education Funding Model Underestimates Need in Public Schools

Introduction

The state’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) has recently conducted a study revealing that Virginia’s current model used to determine education funding in public schools is underestimating the need. The study suggests that the state spends less per student compared to three neighboring states, with West Virginia allocating 25% more on average.

The Outdated Model

According to the JLARC study, Virginia’s education spending relies on an outdated model called the “Standard of Quality” (SOQ). The commission concludes that this model, which serves as the foundation for education funding, is no longer meeting students’ needs.

School Boards Association Agrees

Agreeing with the study’s findings, the President of the Virginia School Boards Association addressed state legislators in a letter. The letter emphasizes that the funding formulas based on the SOQ model are ineffective, resulting in underfunding education in Virginia by over 3.5 billion dollars.

Underspending Compared to Neighboring States

Despite Virginia spending seven billion dollars more than the estimated amount calculated by the SOQ model last year, it still fell short compared to the majority of neighboring states.

Conclusion

It is becoming increasingly clear that Virginia’s current education funding model, the Standard of Quality, is insufficient. The JLARC study highlights the urgent need for an updated model that accurately reflects the needs of students in public schools. It is crucial for state legislators to address this issue promptly to ensure adequate funding for education in Virginia.