Educational cost savings

Here at the Cost Cutting Caucus, we've talked about the cost savings from school choice- specifically the cost savings generated when students do not attend public schools.

In Virginia- and across the country- state and local governments are increasing education budgets at tremendous rates- far outpacing actual increases in enrollment. What's worse, in many places, the increased spending does not appear to be producing measurable results in achievement.

Now, some taxpayers are finally saying enough is enough.

As the folks over at School Choice Virginia note, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that citizens in Connecticut are pushing for changes in what seems to be un-checked budget growth for education.

Over the past two and a half decades, the student population in Connecticut has increased only 10%. Yet the cost of schooling more than doubled — to $8.8 billion in 2006, up from $3.4 billion in 1981.

Cost savings ideas that have been proposed already include reducing usage of school vehicles, paying students not to attend the public schools (by attending private schools, vocational schools or home schooling), providing scholarships for students who graduate high school early, tax credits and implementing zero-based budgeting.