* State Government: This is typically the largest single source of funding. State governments allocate funds based on formulas that often consider factors like student enrollment, poverty levels, and property values. The specifics of these formulas and the overall level of state funding can differ drastically across states.
* Local Government (Property Taxes): Property taxes levied on local residents are a major funding source, particularly for districts with higher property values. This creates significant disparities in funding between wealthier and poorer districts.
* Federal Government: The federal government contributes a smaller percentage compared to state and local funding, but it's still a significant amount. Federal funding is often targeted towards specific programs, such as Title I (for disadvantaged students), special education, and vocational education.
* Other Sources: These can include:
* Bond Issues/Local levies: These are special taxes or bond sales approved by local voters to finance specific projects, such as building new schools or renovating existing ones.
* Private Donations/Grants: Charitable organizations, foundations, and individuals may donate funds to support specific programs or initiatives.
* Student Fees: While generally small in comparison to other revenue sources, some schools may charge fees for extracurricular activities, advanced courses, or certain materials. However, this varies considerably and efforts are often made to minimize fees to ensure equitable access.
* State Lottery Proceeds: Some states allocate a portion of lottery proceeds to education funding.
It's important to understand that the relative contribution of each funding source varies greatly depending on the location and the specific characteristics of the school district. Some states rely heavily on state funding, while others place a greater burden on local property taxes. This uneven distribution often leads to inequities in funding and resources between different school districts.