The Jefferson City School System is the second thriftiest school district in the state, according to recently released data from FY2011.
Last year, Jefferson spent just $6,651 per student ranking it just behind the Chickamauga City School System, which spent $6,450 per student.
The Commerce City School System was the highest of the three school systems in Jackson County at $8,691 per student, ranking it at number 76 in the state.
The Jackson County School System spent $8,600 per student in FY2011, ranking it 83rd in the state.
Both the Commerce and Jefferson systems have small districts and consequently their per student transportation costs were low compared to larger districts. The state average for transportation was $418 per student while Commerce spent only $206 per student and Jefferson $189 per student.
On the other hand, the Jackson County system covers a large geographic area and its per student cost was above the state average at $458.
The main reason the Commerce system had high spending per student overall was its general administrative, school administrative expenses and maintenance and operations expenses were far above the state average.
The Jackson County system had high staff services expenses at $501 per student and its maintenance and operation expense was also high. The system’s general administrative expense was below the state average at $346 per student, but its school administrative expense was above the state average.
To see a chart of area school spending, see the Jan. 25 print of e-edition of The Jackson Herald.
#1
Proud to live and know people in Jefferson
on
01/25/12 at 02:54 PM
[Reply]
Before all of the crazies get on here and prove how stupidity still exist in this world. I must say that Jefferson is the place I want to enjoy raising my children, and continue to build friendships. Thank you Jefferson for still having that small town feel with a good education system, and a balanced budget.
I'm proud too, and I thank you for the post. My whole family graduated from Jefferson, as did my children and now my grandchildren are attending. I can't think of a better place.
#1.2
Spelling Bee Champ
on
01/26/12 at 05:34 PM
[Reply]
You sum up what we are all talking about "Proud......"
Don't have a new idea or opinion, you will be crazy
By the way you need an s on the end of exists or it doesn't work, that is what I call crazy. You and also proud are clearly related or retarded, choose whichever word suits you.
My wife and I recently moved to Jefferson from Pennsylvania. We're glad we did. Our old school board could not say no to any spending request. A few years ago the old school board in its wisdom decided that the district's two high schools were beyond repair (no dissenting opinions allowed)and had to be razed and replaced simultaneously at a cost to tax payers of $150 million. It's a pleasure to live in a nice place where elected representatives have respect for the taxpayers.
#2
concerned taxpayer
on
01/25/12 at 04:02 PM
[Reply]
obviously all the money spent in splost or bond funds are not included in student expense. $15 million for new gym, $600k for BOE office and countless other millions that are not include in this figure.
#2.1
Mike Buffington, Publisher
on
01/26/12 at 12:47 PM
[Reply]
Correct. This data excludes capital expenses and is operation expenses. The state compiles this each year.
#3
The Parents pay
on
01/26/12 at 01:14 PM
[Reply]
While these are great numbers for Jefferson, you also have to look at how much the PARENTS pay for there children to learn at Jefferson City Schools. When the parents are having to buy copy paper for their child to do their school work on there is something wrong. Not to mention all the other stuff the parents have to buy for their children to use at school. When I was a child and in elementary school things were not like they are now. Jefferson City Schools look great on paper, but they could use some adjusting in many fields.
I couldn't agree with you more. You should see the list of items that the school asks you buy at the beginning of the school year. Things like copy paper, envelopes, etc. These items would normally be purchased by the school because they are for use by the staff, but why bother when you can make the parents pick up the tab?
I don't mind buying items that my children will be using for their personal use such as pencils, crayons, etc. But Jefferson Elementary asks me to buy supplies for the entire class and faculty such as those mentioned above. It doesn't sound like a lot, but when you multiply those items by every student, it saves the school system a ton of money.
So, not only do we pay for education costs with our tax dollars, we then buy the supplies those tax dollars were intended for out of our pocket. The system looks good for being "thrifty", and the parents are out of pocket a whole lot of money.
Not only does the school want us to buy everythig for kids and staff they have kids out
selling everything under the sun for fundraisers.
Then make them feel guilty if they can't sell.We as parents are tired of this.Take your fundraisers and let the top payed people help with
copy paper etc.We have bought and sold enough.
Don't have a new idea or opinion, you will be crazy
By the way you need an s on the end of exists or it doesn't work, that is what I call crazy. You and also proud are clearly related or retarded, choose whichever word suits you.
I don't mind buying items that my children will be using for their personal use such as pencils, crayons, etc. But Jefferson Elementary asks me to buy supplies for the entire class and faculty such as those mentioned above. It doesn't sound like a lot, but when you multiply those items by every student, it saves the school system a ton of money.
So, not only do we pay for education costs with our tax dollars, we then buy the supplies those tax dollars were intended for out of our pocket. The system looks good for being "thrifty", and the parents are out of pocket a whole lot of money.
selling everything under the sun for fundraisers.
Then make them feel guilty if they can't sell.We as parents are tired of this.Take your fundraisers and let the top payed people help with
copy paper etc.We have bought and sold enough.
These are elected officials making these decisions.
We reap what we sow.