By Shirleen Guerra | The Center Square(The Center Square) – A new report shows that since COVID-19, both Virginia and Maryland are spending more per student while serving fewer students in their public schools.
The findings come from Reason Foundation, a nonprofit think tank that released its latest K-12 Education Spending Spotlight this week.
According to the report, Virginia now spends more than $18,000 per student, an 11.2% increase since 2020. That increase ranks Virginia 14th in the country for spending increases over the past four years.
At the same time, Virginia’s public school enrollment has declined. The state has 2.8% fewer students today than it did before the pandemic, according to the report.
Maryland spends even more per student. The report shows the state invests more than $22,000 per student, up 3% since 2020. Maryland ranks 34th in spending growth during that period. Enrollment has also decreased, falling 2.1% since 2020.
The report says teacher pay has not kept up with inflation in either state. After adjusting for inflation, Virginia’s average teacher salary is down 5% compared to 2020. Maryland’s inflation-adjusted average salary is down 5.9%.
Locally, new teacher postings in Mechanicsville and Richmond reflect a wide salary range, depending on position and area. Listings this week show elementary teacher roles paying between about $55,000 and $86,000 annually, while Richmond Public Schools advertised science teacher positions paying up to $107,000.
The report notes that some of the pressure on salaries comes from rising benefit and pension obligations. Those expenses make up a significant share of education budgets in both states. Virginia now spends about $3,940 per student on pension and employee benefit costs.
Maryland spends about $4,480 per student.
The report places Virginia and Maryland within a national trend. Many states are educating fewer students but spending more per student. K-12 systems are also hiring more nonteaching staff and putting a larger share of funding toward benefits and long-term pension debt.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed bills expanding early childhood care and teacher training flexibility, while vetoing a proposal that would have provided unpaid educational leave for certain school employees.
Virginia’s 2024-26 state budget shows education spending rising slightly between fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2026, reflecting the continued increase in funding even as enrollment declines.