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New Report Shows Arizona School Funding Still Lagging

Mike Christy/Arizona Daily Star

A new report shows state funding for Arizona's K-12 school system remains nearly 14 percent below what it was before the Great Recession hit in 2007.

The analysis of school funding in 48 states shows that even with an infusion of money since Gov. Doug Ducey took office, Arizona's per-pupil spending is still well below its 2008 funding levels when adjusted for inflation.

The report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says per-pupil formula spending dropped last year by 1.2 percent.

Ducey touts his efforts to boost K-12 spending, saying Arizona has increased funding more than any other state in the past three years.

But much of that increase came from tapping the state land trust dedicated to schools under a voter-approved plan to settle a school funding lawsuit.

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