Idaho’s Per Student Spending Remains Near Bottom
New census data shows data shows Idaho remains near the bottom when it comes to how much public schools spend per student. The state spent $7,092 per student during the 2008-2009 school year, according to new estimates released Wednesday. That's up from the previous school year, when Idaho spent $6,931 for every student, but the state is still ranked the second lowest in the nation. Utah was the lowest at $6,356 per student, according to the data. Public schools in New York spent the most, at $18,126 per pupil in 2009. The national average was $10,499 per student, up from $10,259 the previous year. Idaho Superintendent Tom Luna has said spending is not the best tool for measuring a state's commitment to education success, and the real goal is achievement.