History has shown that "defined contribution" scales and works, and "defined benefit" bankrupts institutions. Public school systems in the US all currently work

History has shown that "defined contribution" scales and works, and "defined benefit" bankrupts institutions. Public school systems in the US all currently work on "defined benefit" funding, under which municipalities are held hostage to pay out more and more in tax funds to school districts. This money would be much better off invested, on a per-student basis, in a quality fund and pay out portable dividends that students could then take to any school district. I envision that this would solve a lot of problems that currently plague public education in the US. More desirable school districts could maintain their quality by charging more for instruction, so that only the most motivated students would want to invest their time and funds there. Districts could offer more "electives" like art or music by charging for them a la carte, requiring students to "budget" their education funds wisely. Do I want to get through with minimum fuss by taking only the required courses, or do I want to spend more money on fun, but ultimately unremunerative detours?