Fact Check: Local property taxes fund the majority of U.S. public schools.

Fact Check: "Local property taxes fund the majority of U.S. public schools."

What We Know

The claim that local property taxes fund the majority of U.S. public schools is supported by various sources. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, local property taxes accounted for approximately 81% of local revenues for public schools in the 2019-20 school year. This aligns with findings from a report by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, which states that local property taxes provided more than a third of all money used to finance public education in 2013-14. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Education indicates that local governments contributed 45% of public school funding, with a significant portion derived from property taxes.

Analysis

While the claim holds some truth, it is essential to consider the context and specific figures involved. The assertion that local property taxes fund the majority of public schools can be interpreted in different ways. For instance, while property taxes are a major source of funding, they do not constitute the entirety of school funding. Federal and state contributions also play significant roles in financing public education. For example, the U.S. Department of Education notes that local property taxes are a stable revenue source, but they are not the only source of funding.

Moreover, the reliance on property taxes varies significantly by state. In states like Connecticut and New Hampshire, nearly all local school funding comes from property taxes (98% in both states) (source-1). However, in other states, the percentage may be lower, indicating that while property taxes are crucial, they do not uniformly fund the majority of schools across the country.

The credibility of the sources used to support this claim is generally high, as they come from reputable educational institutions and government agencies. However, it is essential to recognize that the term "majority" can be subjective and context-dependent.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True
The claim that local property taxes fund the majority of U.S. public schools is partially true. While property taxes are indeed a significant source of funding—accounting for a substantial percentage of local revenues—they do not represent the entirety of school funding. Additionally, the reliance on property taxes varies by state, meaning that the claim does not universally apply across all U.S. public schools.

Sources

1. COE - Public School Revenue Sources
2. PDF How Are Public Schools Funded?
3. The Future of U.S. Public School Revenue from the Property Tax
4. PDF The Future of U.S. Public School Revenue from the Property Tax
5. Introduction to the Property Tax–School Funding Connection
6. PDF Public School Revenue Sources - National Center for Education
7. Public School Revenue Sources
8. How School Funding's Reliance On Property Taxes Fails Children : NPR