My school district has put up 6 levies in the past three years. Each time, the levies have been largely voted down, but the truth is, my school district is in dire need of funding. Funding, I believe, it was mainly separates a good public school from a crappy one, and almost all public schools from almost any private school.
this article hits on frustrations many feel funding causes:
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/12/01/3348074/funding-model-for-public-schools.html
Funding really impacts a student's class size, course material, among other factors. One analogy I love is, when schools get unequal funding, it is like asking each school to compete in making the best poster; but one school might have crayons and printer paper available to use in the contest, while the next school has paint, glitter, and poster board. It is not difficult to pick which school would win.
While I agree funding is extremely important in creating a good school, I don't think it's the only key to success. I think that great teachers with enthusiasm and ambition can get incredible results even with low funding. All the money in the world can't make kids learn if their teacher is incompetent and unhappy.
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