"We are not in a race to outspend other states," officials said when asked if Utah plans to alter its reputation as a state with low public education spending. "Student outcomes are what truly matter, and a focus only on funding does not tell the whole story."

Five years after a bruising legislative battle opened the door to private school vouchers in parts of Tennessee, lawmakers are preparing to take up a controversial bill to create a similar program statewide.

Sharing a common purpose—and a common mascot—has had wider impacts on academics and even building design in Missouri's Grandview C-4 School District, Superintendent Kenny Rodrequez attests.

If you're not teaching and learning in one of the locations detailed here, know that your state may have similar funding programs in specialized categories.