KSU economics professor discusses 'balancing the books in education' (WABE 90.1 FM)

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 26, 2017

Dr. Ben Scafidi, director of the Education Economics Center in the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University, has analyzed how much Georgia taxpayers truly spend on public schools. On WABE's "Closer Look" program, Scafidi shared the findings of his new study, "Balancing the Books in Education."

For example, according to the official spending figures on the Georgia Department of Education website, Georgia public schools spent a total of $15.6 billion in fiscal year 2016.

Yet the Governor’s Office, using data provided to it by the same Georgia Department of Education, reports that Georgia public schools actually spent $19.1 billion in FY 2016. In other words, about $3.5 billion in taxpayer funds are “missing” from the official GaDOE spending data on its website.

"I'm just bringing it to their attention. I just hope they fix it," Scafidi told "Closer Look" host Rose Scott. "Instead of keeping two sets of books, keep just one." 

Click here to listen to the full interview, starting at the 7:53 mark.

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.