New York's High School Spending Criticized Amid Average Performance

• New York leads U.S. in public school spending at $36,293 per student.
• State performance remains mediocre despite high education spending.
• Teacher salaries in New York are among the highest nationally.
• Unions contribute to budget decisions; push higher salaries and benefits.
• Critics say high spending fails to boost student performance.
• New York's per student spending is nearly double the national average.
• Charter schools excel with less funding; experts urge targeted spending.