State department of education releases expenditures per student

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released Thursday how much money is allocated per public school student in the state.

Data released by DESE shows about 17,800 students go to school at Columbia Public Schools. Across all 31 CPS high schools, middle schools and elementary schools, the state allocated on average $11,989.07 per student.

"Some students might need additional resources or support to be successful," said CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark. "Our goal as a school district is to provide what every student needs in order to be successful."

The money allocated includes resources for special advisers, teacher salaries, school staffing and the cost of living in a geographical area. Each CPS school makes its own budget, which gets included within the district's overall budget. DESE breaks down each school's budget to see how much is being spent on each student.

A new federal mandate forced DESE to release the student expenditure data. The change is part of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which ensures equitable resources for every student and every school.

Expenditures can vary by school. Some buildings offer different resources or programs and may require more money to be allocated.