These graphs show the average spending per pupil in Illinois.

Instructional Spending Per Pupil includes only the activities directly dealing with the teaching of students or the interaction between teachers and students.

Operating Spending Per Pupil includes all costs for overall operations, including Instructional Spending, but excluding summer school, adult education, capital expenditures, and long-term debt payments.

Instructional Spending Per Pupil includes only those costs that are directly used for teaching students and facilitating interaction between teachers and students.

Operational Spending Per Pupil includes all costs associated with a district's operating costs over the regular school year, such as transportation, building maintenance, salaries, etc.

The amount of money a district spends on each student is often greatly dependent upon the local tax base. Therefore, it is important to understand how this money is allocated to various school supports, such as transportation, teaching staff, student resources, school personnel resources, and other functions.

• Most States Now Spend Less Per Student than in 2008 (Time)

• Per Student Public Education Spending Decreases in 2011 for First Time in Nearly Four Decades, Census Bureau Reports

• The Impact of School Spending on Student Achievement