Between diverse study tracks and basic needs: gaps in education between local authorities

A Bar-Ilan University study reveals that local authority education budgets widen gaps: strong authorities add large budgets for excellence tracks, while weak ones struggle for basic needs. The researchers propose limiting budget additions by wealthy authorities.

A study by researchers from Bar-Ilan University, Prof. Iris Ben David Hadar and Dr. Ruth Maoded, reveals how local authority education budgets widen the gaps between strong and weak authorities. The Ministry of Education budgets weak authorities at a higher rate per student, but strong authorities add their own budgets, sometimes two or three times the state budget, creating two different education systems. In strong authorities, they invest in diverse study tracks, excellence programs, and matriculation preparation, while in weak authorities, money goes to basic needs like fixing ceilings, food for children, and assistance for students with special needs. The researchers call for changing the budgeting mechanism, limiting the ability of wealthy authorities to add money, and giving greater weight to the economic situation of authorities. Former Education Minister, Prof. Yuli Tamir, argues that the state is abandoning children in weak authorities and must take responsibility. The article includes quotes from education department heads demonstrating the gaps in access.