PHOENIX — A new report shows Arizonans are spending far less of what they earn on education than most other states.

The U.S. Census Bureau pegs state aid per pupil at $4,335 a year. That is 41st in the nation.

Total spending from all sources in 2007, the most recent full-year statistics available, is $7,196, with only three states below.

But the Census Bureau also calculated rankings based on each state’s personal income — residents’ total earnings.

There, Arizona did a somewhat better on state tax dollars earmarked for public education, coming in 34th.

The same report, however, shows Arizona 47th in total

spending on education from all sources and, comparatively speaking, last among all the states on the amount of money spent on classroom instruction.

State  Superintendent Tom Horne said Arizona can do better, if not now, then eventually.

“This year, you can’t do anything because there’s no money,” he said. “Part of my job is when the economy turns around and there are resources available, to persuade the Legislature to give a higher priority to K-12.”

Matthew Ladner, who studies education for the Goldwater Institute, said he doubts the accuracy of the data. He questioned whether Arizona’s spending on new schools is included.

Justin Olson, who handles education finance for the Arizona Tax Research Association, said even if the figures are accurate, they may be meaningless.

He said many states are losing school-age population. But Olson, whose organization represents business taxpayers, said a decision has been made by policymakers elsewhere to keep funding schools at the same level, a move that shows up in higher per capita education funding.

By contrast, Olson said, Arizona’s student growth is third-highest in the nation. He said the state has struggled to keep pace without necessarily spending a lot more money.