K-12 Cost Studies Add To School Aid Debates

By David J. Hoff

Arkansas legislators will have a shopping list when they convene next week to settle the state's school finance dilemma.

For $356 million, they could improve the quality of the state's teachers. Another $224.6 million would buy smaller classes, more technology, and improved instructional materials. A cool $100 million would ensure preschools for poor children. And $167 million would put communities with low property wealth on a par with other areas.

The total is $848.3 million—30 percent above what the state spends...