A new report shows Oklahoma’s per-pupil education funding has dropped more -- over the last decade-- than any other state. The report says Oklahoma’s per-pupil school funding has decreased by 28 percent since 2008. In other words: The state is spending about one thousand dollars, per-child, less than it did 10 years ago.
These statistics only account for money lawmakers earmark for education through the school funding formula. The report does not include money from local bonds or federal dollars.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities compiled the report, which shows that most states cut school funding after the economic recession in 2008. Oklahoma and 28 other states have yet to return school funding to pre-recession levels.