Dearest reader,
Let's take a look at Bangor Township Schools.
Over the last decade, enrollment declined 9.14%, from 2,943 pupils to 2,673.91.
But the money tells another part of the story.
Revenue per pupil increased 64.54%, and even after adjusting for inflation, it increased 21.13%.
Where did the spending move?
Total instruction per pupil increased 31.78% in actual dollars, but after inflation, it is 2.98% lower than it was a decade ago.
Meanwhile:
Instructional support per pupil: +70.35% after inflation
Business & administration per pupil: +24.12% after inflation
Operations & maintenance per pupil: +12.82% after inflation
And average teacher salary?
$58,266 in 2014-15.
$64,058 in 2024-25.
That's a 9.94% increase on paper, but a 19.06% decrease after inflation.
That doesn't tell us whether every dollar was spent wisely or poorly. It does tell us how the district's numbers have changed over ten years.
And that is where I like to start.
Not with an accusation.
Not with a conclusion.
With the ledger.
More Bangor breadcrumbs are coming. 🐇
With receipts and respect.
#LadyBudgetdown #BangorTownshipSchools #BayCity #MichiganSchools #SchoolFinance #PublicEducation #Transparency #Accountability #FollowTheMoney #PublicRecords #WithReceiptsAndRespect