The percentage of Colorado personal income used for K-12 operating expenditures declined from 3.89 percent in 1989 to 2.97 percent in 1996. States must call for a revision of the state's tax structure and define an adequate, equitable, state contribution. Mr. Myers concluded saying that the Colorado School Finance Project could be a resource for reports that examine school finance in other states to measure how school districts in Colorado are doing. A future tax study should decide on a methodology to determine and define an adequate level of per-pupil funding. The discussion concluded on the reduced funding for charter schools in relation to other schools.
Charter schools receive less money and often achieve higher standards.
Sen. Andrews requested a copy of the report that shows educational rankings for Colorado. Mr. Goulding reiterated that the only source of tax revenues for special districts is the property tax. Special districts have limited statutory authority to charge certain user fees for service. User fees provide a valuable source of revenues for certain districts. But most special need districts, such as fire protection districts, have no revenue sources aside from the property tax.