Louisiana’s Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) plays a central role in funding public education across the state. Caroline Roemer, executive director of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools, joined Brian Haldane on Mornings With Brian Haldane to explain how the MFP works and why lawmakers face important questions about education funding.
How Louisiana’s MFP Works
The MFP uses a combination of state and local funding to determine how much money public schools receive. Local revenue comes primarily from property and sales taxes, while the state provides additional funding through the formula.
Roemer explained that the formula aims for equity rather than identical funding. Districts with fewer local resources can receive more state support so students do not face disadvantages based solely on where they live.
The current MFP provides roughly $4,000 per student, according to Roemer. She said inflation over the past decade would put that figure closer to $5,000 per student if Louisiana wanted to maintain similar purchasing power.
Teacher Pay and Rising Costs
Teacher pay remains a major issue as lawmakers consider the future of education funding. Roemer said districts and charter schools face higher operating costs, including insurance, transportation and supplies.
A recent analysis commissioned by the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools found that spending on administration versus classroom instruction has remained relatively stable. Roemer said rising operational costs, rather than increased administrative spending, account for much of the growth.
Finding Efficiencies While Protecting Quality
Declining enrollment creates another challenge for school systems. Roemer said districts may need to explore efficiencies, consolidation and changes to central-office operations. However, she cautioned that fewer students do not automatically translate into proportionally lower costs because schools still need buildings, transportation, insurance and other infrastructure.
Roemer emphasized that the central question should focus on what it actually costs to provide every Louisiana student with a quality public education.
The Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools plans to continue providing lawmakers with data and research as they consider future education funding decisions.