New York spends an average of $14,119 a year on each student, more than any other state in the nation – and local school districts beat even that. According to the most recent U.S. Census data, the Empire State spent 62 percent more than the national per-pupil spending average of $8,701.

The 34 school districts in Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties trounced the state average in 2004-2005. They spent an average of $16,107 per student that year.

However, the Kiryas Joel district has a large number of students with disabilities, which raises its per-pupil spending significantly.

(Source: Record on Line)