Description: House Bill 318 would adjust the formula used to determine the disbursement from the supplementary math and science program, allowing small rural school districts to hire additional teachers.

Rating: -1

Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease government spending or debt?

House Bill 318 would require an appropriation of approximately $2.75 million from the general fund to hire more math and science teachers for schools with less than 319 students. The current cost of the fund is $7.4 million and the new appropriation would represent a 37 percent increase. While the intention behind this program is commendable, its efficacy has not been proven. Additional funding for math and science teachers was initially enacted in 2013. At that time, the number of 8th grade students that scored at or above proficient in math according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) was 36 percent; in 2024 that rate decreased to 31 percent despite the investment in additional math teachers. In light of this evidence, additional funding for the program cannot be justified. If any additional funding for teachers is to be provided, it should be offset by decreases elsewhere in the education budget.  

(-1)