If state lotteries are giving millions to schools, why are schools still in such bad shape?

Question

My state, MO, just transferred 27.7 million to be used for public education and 26.7 last year.But schools are still a mess.

http://molottery.com/app/news/showArticle.jsp?aid=2452

Answer 1

Most likely because they need the money for new jails/prisons to accommodate the ever-growing number of NON-VIOLENT drug offenders. After all, the Republicans and Democrats have to "send the right message to young people" about "drugs" even if that means they can't get a decent education at an affordable price.

Answer 2

I have been out of the state for a while, but when I taught there this was my understanding:

In many cases lottery money was supposed to be EXTRA to the school budget, however, now often lottery funds are the school budget. Money from personal property/state tax/local tac income has often been reallocated to other things since the schools had the lottery money - therefore the lottery money has kept the schools just at status quo instead of being EXTRA to improve things. The lottery has become the funding source instead of a source of extra income for improvements. Also, there are limits to the amount of tax increase a district can levy so although property value's have increased, the amount of money the school gets does not (again, causing them to rely on the lottery money for just keeping status quo).

Answer 3

Actually it is because of all the taxes that the government takes back. The money also has to be divided between many schools. After subtracting all of the taxes, there isn't much lleft to use for the schools. The administration then uses that money to give themselves raises knowing that putting that little amont of money into the school won't do any good.

Answer 4

Consider what is given to the schools after taxes. Rough estimate would be about 18 million left after taxes. 18 milion isn't quite enough to repair all the schools in a state (some are much worse than others). Now, if they would give 18 million per school then yes you have a point of why arent these schools brand new? lol...

Answer 5

Because the money's not going directly to the schools, it's being filtered through a middle man - your state government.

Isn't it amazing how all that money can pour into a state government's coffers, then suddenly dissapear. It's the amazing black hole - located right in your state capital. Then they come out and talk about how broke they are and how they don't have the funds for this project or that project. (but they always have enough for a raise, don't they?!)

sorry, I'm a little bitter. I live in Louisiana and we have, hands down, the worst (translate cheating, lying, stealing) government of any state!!!

don't believe me, just watch what happens to the Hurricane Relief funds...here they come, and there they go, straight into a politician's pockets!

Answer 6

Yes state lotteries are giving money to schools. You think that this is on TOP OF WHAT THEY WOULD GET FROM THE STATE. But the true story is that the state spends its tax money on other things than schools. Schools do not get more money, in fact they may be getting LESS.

Answer 7

I cannot help with your state but TN lottery money only goes for after school tutoring, Pre-K and higher ed...none of the money is sent to the schools to do what is needed. It is already decided HOW it will be spent before it is sent to us.

I dug deeper with the link you provided and it looks like most of yours is already pre-spent also.

Answer 8

Parent Teachers Associations need people to attend those PTA meetings called, "Parents".

If you are a Parent go to the meetings and find out what they are doing with the money.

Answer 9

Private schools provide a better education for less expediture per pupil, you figure.

Answer 10

School administrators are giving themselves raises.