New North Carolina School Funding Model Could Be More Student-Based

A legislative committee that is looking at an overhaul of the way schools are funded is considering basing the formula more on students. The committee on Education Finance Reform heard the last expert presentation of its study phase Wednesday.

Education researcher Marguerite Roza called North Carolina's model outdated and less equitable.

The current model gives school districts many allotments for specific purposes. It also pays per teacher no matter the salary. That means schools that retain experienced teachers get more funding.

Roza says a model that pays per student and their needs gives school leaders more choice in spending.  

Roza asks, "How do we tap into that information they have about what's working and what's not, and we can't do that unless we generate the flexibility and the equity down at that school level to do that." 

The committee plans to draft legislation by fall.