The Simpson County School District (SCSD) is charged with allocating resources to ensure quality education for its students. Analyzing the per-student expenditure provides insight into the district's financial commitment and allows for comparisons at state, regional, and national levels.
A comparison of per pupil expenditure from school year 2020-2021 to 2022-2023, the last complete figures available, indicates an increase in per pupil expenditure (PPE) of approximately $2000.
For the 2020-2021 academic year, SCSD reported total expenditures of $35,755,000, averaging approximately $10,425.09 per student. This figure encompasses all spending categories, including instructional costs, support services, and other operational expenses.
A detailed breakdown from the Mississippi Succeeds Report Card for the 2020-2021 school year reveals variations among schools within the district. Magee Elementary School spent $9,335.01 per student, Magee High School $11,857.79, Magee Middle School $10,459.23, Mendenhall Elementary School $10,989.40, Mendenhall High School $10,252.88, Mendenhall Junior High School $10,086.02, and Simpson Central School $10,504.29.
In the 2021-2022 school year, Mississippi's average PPE was $10,984, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. SCSD's average per-student spending of $10,564 during the 2021-2022 year was slightly below the state average.
Nationally, the average PPE for the 2021-2022 school year was $15,633, indicating that SCSD's spending is below the national average.
For the 2021-2022 academic year, per-student expenditures in neighboring states were as follows: Arkansas at $11,323 per pupil, Tennessee at $10,372, Alabama at $11,006, and Louisiana at $12,928. SCSD's spending is comparable to that of Arkansas and Alabama, higher than Tennessee's but lower than Louisiana's.
While comprehensive county-level data for recent years is limited, earlier reports indicate significant disparities in Mississippi. Montgomery County School District spent over $21,000 per student, making it the highest per-student expenditure in the state. In contrast, Lincoln County School District had the lowest, spending approximately $7,800 per student. These figures highlight the variability in educational spending across Mississippi's counties.
For the 2022-2023 academic year, the SCSD reported an average PPE of $11,580.47. This increase from the previous year's PPE may indicate anything from a continued commitment to investing in student education to high inflation and increased labor costs.
Magee Elementary School spent $11,632.30 per student, Magee High School $11,500.81, Magee Middle School $11,951.49, Mendenhall Elementary School $10,665.87, Mendenhall High School $10,841.07, Mendenhall Junior High School $12,997.02, and Simpson Central School $12,630.46.
A detailed breakdown of expenditures per school within the district for the 2023-2024 year is not yet available in the current data on the MDE MS Succeeds Report Card, though the trend seems to be toward increased spending for public education.
While the district's spending aligns closely with state and some neighboring states' averages, it remains below the national average.
Understanding these financial metrics is crucial to assess and enhance the educational experience offered to students in Simpson County’s public schools.
