Analysis of School Finances in New York State School Districts, 2014-15

The "Analysis of School Finances in New York State School Districts" is an annual publication providing a meaningful perspective to staff in the Division of the Budget, the Legislature, the Education Department, and school officials concerning school expenditures, State Aid, and local support. This edition of the Analysis summarizes the finances of major school districts in school year 2014-15, as well as public school expenditures and State Aid since 1996-97. In summarizing school district expenditures, the Analysis compares various percentiles of operating expenditures per pupil and describes the magnitude of the disparity in approved operating expenditures per pupil between districts in the 10th and 90th percentiles for each year. Decile tables ranked by wealth, expenditure per pupil and a need/resource index are also included. These decile tables provide comparisons of school districts' expenditures per pupil, tax rates, and wealth per pupil. Another feature of the Analysis is its presentation of five-year trend data on full value, expenditures, State Aid, tax rates, and local revenue. These items are displayed on a per pupil basis for the entire State, New York City and the rest of State (school districts outside New York City). In terms of data collection, the total revenue from State sources displayed in the tables from 1996-97 through 2014-15 is the State Aid reported in the Annual Financial Report (Form ST-3) submitted by school districts. It should be noted that this data item may include prior year State Aid adjustment payments. Data for 2015-16 is based on State Aid payments to school districts and does not include some grants, prior year adjustments, and miscellaneous revenues from State sources. Total expenditures for 2015-16 are based on estimates provided by school districts. The 2014 Income data are as of October 2016. Other items contained in the Analysis are as of May 2016. School Tax Relief (STAR) revenue is also addressed in the report. [For the previous report, "Analysis of School Finances in New York State School Districts, 2013-14," see ED579673.]