IMAGINE: the best schools in the world for every student in Delaware.

Costs

1. What will Vision 2015 cost?
2. Is this just another plan that will pass legislation with mandates that the state won't pay for?
3. We are 8th in the country for spending per pupil, why are we proposing more money?

1. What will Vision 2015 cost?
   The Vision 2015 Implementation Committee is focusing on the costs of Vision 2015 and, as importantly, the return-on-investment that will benefit Delaware. continuing to cost out various specific proposals. We have requested $35.4 million in public funding to implement several major recommendations in the coming year. At the same time, we are raising private sector support for several initiatives.
   
   When thinking of costs, the real question should be: "What will it cost us if we don't change?" Ignorance is expensive. Incarceration is expensive. Remediating new employees or college freshmen who can't read or do math is expensive. Losing prospective employers to other states and countries is expensive. By investing earlier and smarter, and by insisting that public schools spend the public's resources more efficiently, we will save in the long run by revitalizing our economy, creating healthier communities and helping individuals become more productive citizens. The data speak for themselves:
   • A high school graduate earns $600,000 more during his/her life than a dropout.
   • And a college graduate earns $1.4 million more than a high school dropout.


2. Is this just another plan that will pass legislation with mandates that the state won't pay for? How are the districts supposed to pay for this, in addition to what they already pay?
   Vision 2015 intends to provide enough resources from the state to allow all Delaware public schools to meet the same educational standards. The funding system will distribute funds more wisely and equitably. The plan does not encourage or support unfunded mandates. Many changes need to be in place for Vision 2015 to succeed. We will not make blind promises to our schools, our students, our educators, or parents until we have the needed policy changes and resources in place. And, we will work very hard toward that end in the coming months and years. This work includes a commitment to raise significant private funding from foundations and businesses to help support the transition to Vision 2015.


3. We are 8th in the country for spending per pupil, why are we proposing more money?
   Some proposals, such as providing extra learning time or expanding early childhood programs, will be expensive. But we believe that we can pay for many of these changes by using current dollars more efficiently. Vision 2015 calls for greater accountability for smart spending that improves student results. We will look closely at how funding is currently being allocated and how it could be more wisely spent. Saving money in areas that make sense will mean that we can put more money where it's really needed. We know that investments will come from both public and private sources. And, we are working to secure those funds.