Education Costs
A reader wrote about the $5,000 per pupil spent in California on K-12 education (letter, Oct. 15). He estimated that about $1,667 per pupil went for a teacher’s salary and classroom supplies. He wanted to know how the remaining money was spent.
In 1990-91, the Los Angeles city schools spent $4,585 per enrolled pupil. About 63% ($2,875 per pupil) was spent on classroom expenses, including salaries and benefits of teachers and classroom aides, books and supplies, utilities, and non-public school tuition for special education students.
About 21% ($960 per pupil) was spent on other school costs. These costs consist primarily of salaries and benefits for the principal, clerical workers, custodial staff and other school employees who work at the school but not in the classroom.
About 7% ($300 per pupil) was spent for administrative offices. These offices hire employees, process financial transactions, plan new schools and provide supervision of the educational program.
About 5% ($250 per pupil) was spent for pupil transportation programs, and about 4% ($175 per pupil) was spent for new schools or additions to existing schools.
CHARLES SCHEPART, Program Analyst, Independent Analysis Unit, Los Angeles Unified School District
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