Arkansas Senate Education Committee hears ADE briefing on school spending, special education and staffing

Little Rock — The Senate Education Committee received a detailed briefing from the Arkansas Department of Education on how school districts spend foundation and other funds, with presenters telling members that actual expenditures often exceed the matrix foundation amounts and that special education costs are substantially higher when federal and local sources are included.

Julie Holt of the bureau told committee members the presentation focused on spending patterns, categorical funds and how districts use supplemental streams of money. "Spending on the right things matters," Holt said, summarizing the research team's major takeaway that successful schools tend to invest more in human capital — instructional staff and student supports — and in resources directly tied to instruction.

Holt walked the committee through matrix lines for staffing and…