The bar charts compare the financial expenditure per student and the corresponding academic results in reading and math within the Riverdale Public School System between 2000 and 2015.
Overall, it is clear that both spending and academic performance experienced a downward trend over the 15-year period. While the reduction in per-pupil funding was substantial and consistent, the decline in the percentage of students passing their exams was much more marginal.
In terms of expenditure, the Riverdale Public School System saw a steady contraction in its budget. In 2000, spending was at its peak at $12,000 per student. This figure dropped by $2,000 every five years until 2010, reaching $10,000 and $9,000 respectively. By 2015, the investment had fallen to a low of $8,000, representing a one-third decrease from the initial year.
Regarding academic outcomes, student success rates followed a similar, albeit less dramatic, direction. In 2000, the passing rate was at its highest point, slightly exceeding 85%. Over the following decade, this figure dipped incrementally. By 2015, the percentage of students achieving passing grades in reading and math had reached its lowest level at approximately 84%. Despite the significant 33% cut in funding, the passing rate only saw a slight fluctuation of roughly 2% over the same period.