[Vision2020] Pullman vs Moscow

[Jeff Harkins]

Won't have time to compare and contrast the WASL with the ISAT, but I 
can provide two links to the respective data for each district.

One can drill down and find detailed info for each district on 
reading, science, math and writing - well, as I recall, the ISAT does 
not test science, but the WASL does.

Other than that, I am rather confident that the tests are comparable 
between the two states - perhaps some local experts on these tests 
will share their knowledge and experience on the two assessment models.

As I have time, I will try to find some examples to share with the viz group.

Here are the links:

MSD - 
http://www.sde.idaho.gov/Statistics/docs/District%20Profiles/2005-2006profiles/281.PDF

PSD - 
http://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/summary.aspx?groupLevel=District&schoolId=282&reportLevel=District&orgLinkId=282&yrs=2005-06&year=2005-06

Remember, MSD has not yet posted their FY 07 reports, so to be 
comparable, you must drill to FY 06 for PSD.

At 05:03 PM 11/10/2007, you wrote:
>Question, Dr. Harkins -
>
>Although your data does reflect a considerable amount of similarities
>between the two community school districts, shouldn't it also be taken into
>consideration that the two school districts fall under separate state boards
>of education; One in Boise, Idaho and the other in Olympia, Washington?
>
>Further analysis of this distinction, if you can provide it, would be
>helpful in determining the validity of the claimed similarities.
>
>I appreciate your candor and anticipated response.
>
>Tom Hansen
>Moscow, Idaho
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com]
>On Behalf Of Jeff Harkins
>Sent: Saturday, November 10, 2007 4:47 PM
>To: vision2020 at moscow.com
>Subject: [Vision2020] Pullman vs Moscow
>
>After reading numerous posts regarding the upcoming school levy vote
>and noting that many have questioned the validity of a comparison
>between Moscow and Pullman school districts, I have compiled some
>data that may facilitate that dialogue.  I recall one or more posters
>saying that comparing the two school districts is like comparing
>apples and oranges.
>
>That may be closer to reality than one thinks.  I am surprised that
>our resident botanists, nutritionists and/or arborists have not
>weighed in on this.  They (the apples and oranges, not the botanists)
>are both fruit, they are both healthy foods, they both offer
>significant nutritional value, they are both round, they both grow on
>trees and some of them are even the same color. ;-))
>
>In all seriousness, I have compiled some stats on both Moscow and
>Pullman (from the respective state sites) and here it is.  I think
>even the most entrenched in their positions will agree that there is
>a great deal in common between the two districts.  All the data is
>for the fiscal year 2005-06.  I had hoped to use FY 07 data, but the
>Moscow district has not released their audited financial statements
>for FY 07 (they were due on or about October 1st, 2007).
>
>                                 Moscow          Pullman
>
>FTE Enrollment          2434                    2179
>Total expenditures              $20,618,739             $17,438,662
>Total expenditures per pupil    8,471.13                8,001.48
>Total revenues                  $19,885,608             $17,321,528
>Total revenues per pupil        8,169.93                7,947.73
>Local tax per pupil             3,795.27                1,553.02
>Local, non-tax per pupil           424.69                  293.30
>State per pupil                 3,426.72                5,583.80
>Federal per pupil                  523.24                  512.74
>Ending fund balance             $1,700,000 (est)                $1,212,215
>
>Please study the data, if you find an error, it will be in my typing
>and I will take full responsibility - and make a correction.  Now
>also note that the data for Moscow is before the M&O tax was removed
>from the table and replaced by the 1% sales tax allocation. It would
>be appropriate to ask how much MSD received from the sales tax
>allocation - unfortunately that data is contained in the annual
>audited financial statement, which has not yet been released by
>MSD.  I will peruse around the state site to see if I can discover
>that information.
>
>A quick read of the performance stats suggests both districts do a
>good job.  I have personal experience with both districts as my
>daughter did K-10 in Moscow and 11 & 12 in Pullman.
>
>Hope this helps some of you better understand the financial elements
>of the respective districts.  Yes, it does raise lots of questions.
>
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