How Much Does My School District Spend?

As a resident of the Wentzville School District, I recently received a copy of the district’s 2023–24 annual report. The well-designed, 16-page document highlights the district’s growing work-related pathways, new construction projects, expanded early childhood programs, and academic performance. The report also contains a two-page spread on the district’s finances and spending. The report declares the district’s property tax rate “remains the lowest it has been in more than 10 years.” It also explains where the district is spending money, with 84% of operating funds being spent on salaries and benefits.

There is one key piece of information left out of the report—how much the district actually spends. The report tells residents the district spends $1,718 less per pupil than the state average on operating expenses, but it does not tell us that amount.

While it is understandable for organizations to want to put their best foot forward, this lack of transparency is a real problem. Taxpayers should know how much their schools are spending. Unfortunately, districts and the state make this information hard to find.

That is why the Show-Me Institute created MOSchoolRankings. In addition to having detailed academic data, the site provides detailed financial records for every school district in the state. In 2023, Wentzville spent $15,759 per pupil in total expenditures. That means roughly $390,000 is being spent on a classroom of 25 students. Want to know exactly where those dollars are being spent? The website breaks these expenditures down by program, providing the most granular level of analysis in the state.

The annual reports sent by districts are not meant to be a detailed accounting of performance and spending. They are promotional materials designed to paint the district in a positive light. There is nothing wrong with that—organizations should share their successes. Taxpayers who want more information, however, should have access to it.