Section 6. Expenditures of Public Elementary and Secondary Schools: Current Expenditures

Between 2001–02 and 2013–14, increases are expected in the current expenditures and current expenditures per pupil of public elementary and secondary schools (figure K; reference figures 33 and 34 and tables 33 and 34).

Figure K. Actual and middle alternative projected numbers for current expenditures per pupil in elementary and secondary schools in 2002–03 dollars: Selected years, 1988–89 to 2013–14

NOTE: Data were placed in constant 2002–03 dollars using the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (BLS, U.S. Dept. of Labor).
SOURCE: U.S. Dept. of Education, NCES: Common Core of Data, “National Public Education Finance Survey,” various years; National Elementary and Secondary Enrollment Model; and Elementary and Secondary School Current Expenditures Model. (See reference table 33.)

Current expenditures in constant 2002–03 dollars increased 45 percent from 1988–89 to 2001–02.

From 2001–02 to 2013–14, current expenditures in constant 2002–03 dollars are projected to increase

• 32 percent, to $498 billion, in the middle alternative projections;
• 26 percent, to $473 billion, in the low alternative projections; and
• 39 percent, to $525 billion, in the high alternative projections.

Current expenditures per pupil in constant 2002–03 dollars increased 22 percent from 1988–89 to 2001–02.

From 2001–02 to 2013–14, current expenditures in constant 2002–03 dollars per pupil in fall enrollment are projected to increase

• 27 percent, to $10,000, in the middle alternative projections;
• 21 percent, to $9,500, in the low alternative projections; and
• 34 percent, to $10,600, in the high alternative projections.

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