Yes it is and it is good as far as it goes. One problem is so many people think they are paying their own way for the socialized schools.
When I point out that the national average spending per kid was $8,589 in 2005 and ask them how much school tax they pay they never want to answer. They hate to face the fact that they are on the dole.
People in socialist housing pay part of the rent. The rest is paid by others. It's the same with people who put their kids in socialist schools. Both are sponging off others.
I sent my youngest to a private school, it was on top of the government robbery. And that was about 3000 per year. It frosts me that a private institution can do it better and for under half the cost as the government. But, as you said, it's slowly changing.
I'm not doubting your stat at all, but I like to verify for myself. I'd hate to confidently quote something to someone, only to get my butt handed to me. Where can I find this stat?