The first and most critical component of the new BEF formula is the number of students each school district is financially responsible for—their ADMs. Recognizing that ADMs fluctuate from year to year, the formula averages the ADMs in each school district over a three year period to smooth out increases or decreases in student populations. This three year average becomes the base of the student-weighted portion of the BEF formula, and for 2018-19, the three years of ADMs used are 15-16, 16-17 and 17-18.
Total ADMs across the state have been declining from year to year (see the ADM Infogram from Jan. 8th PASBO Daily Data), however, this trend is not universal in all 500 school districts-some have maintained relatively consistent ADMs over time, while others have experienced increasing student populations.
Check out the map below to see the three year average ADMs for each of your school districts used to distribute BEF for 2018-19.