AZ Public Schools Remain Terrible, But Not for Lack of Money

Resources don't help if you use them poorly

A popular myth claims we severely underfund schools in Arizona. For years, teachers unions and other education interest groups have led a successful "crusade" in the media and the state capitol to spread this idea. "We have reduced education funding levels to the point where they're really not sustainable for our students and our teachers," says Ann-Eve Pedersen, who is leading a voter initiative to raise taxes to increase education funding.

Here are some key facts about education spending in Arizona:

1. When you add up all funding sources, Arizona now spends $9,233 per student, a 9 percent increase from 2000, after adjusting for inflation.