Sixty-seven school finance reforms (SFRs) in 26 states have taken place since 1990; however, there is little empirical evidence on the heterogeneity of SFR effects. We provide a comprehensive description of how individual reforms affected resource allocation to low- and high-income districts within states, including both financial and…

In 2016, there was an increasingly dramatic divergence between state economies in the West. Most states in the region benefited from an ongoing economic recovery, but states reliant on the energy sector for tax revenues were hit hard by the global decline in oil prices. This resulted in varying budget situations in legislatures across the…

Education provides one of the best opportunities for American children to build the capacity to climb up the economic ladder. It has even been called the "great equalizer" in American society. In today's tightened labor market, providing equal access to postsecondary education is more critical than ever. The Georgetown Center on…

In an election year dominated by the pitched battle for Congress and major governors' races, state ballot measures involving education are largely tied to a similar theme: the burden of funding K-12 programs when state finances are shaky. In some cases, initiatives, constitutional amendments, and other ballot measures seek to tap new sources of…

Securing appropriate facilities can be a significant challenge for those intending to open a charter school. Although, like all public schools, charter schools receive per-pupil dollars from the state, they generally receive considerably less. Additionally, because traditional public schools rely on their district to provide their school…

Since 1984, public schools have undergone three waves of reform. An effort to raise student achievement was followed by putting greater demands on teachers. The current and third wave emphasizes using the resources of business, industry, and the community to improve education. The goals of this reform movement were codified in the America 2000…

This report describes the development, implementation, and impact of pupil weighting education finance systems in Florida, Utah, and New Mexico. Data, which were analyzed for pre- and post-reform periods, came from public documents and interviews with 217 state and local officials. Topics covered by the report include a general overview of the…

Describes the political process that resulted in passage of a comprehensive state school aid equalization formula by the 1974 New Mexico legislature. Compares New Mexico's experience with various findings and concepts from the educational literature, particularly Berke's study of successful finance reform efforts. (JG)

This report presents the findings and recommendations of a study of New Mexico's financing of education. A task force, created in 1995 by the state legislature, was charged with reviewing public school funding for the purpose of introducing legislation to reform the system. For the study, hired consultants reviewed historical documents, held…

During 1995 to 1996, a state-appointed task force examined historical information about New Mexico's school funding, the context of K-12 education, major funding-formula changes since 1974, data from interviews and surveys of school personnel, and data on fiscal capacity, tax effort, equity, and costs. Funding formula changes were recommended. (21…

The three parts of this paper present a review of how the states provide state aid formula adjustments for enrollment decline, findings of a survey of New Mexico superintendents regarding revision of the state's formula, and the implications of formula revision for the goals of school finance reform. First, it is noted that there is a trend toward…

This publication is intended to provide policy-makers, educators, and concerned citizens with a practical introduction to pupil weighting systems--what they can accomplish, what factors must be taken into account as they are developed, and what problems can hamper their implementation. Pupil weighting systems are alternative approaches to funding…

Data are analyzed in support of the conclusion that fiscal neutrality has nearly been achieved since 1974 legislation mandating uniform tax rates and a foundation program of school aid. Remaining disparities in per pupil revenue and expenditure are interpreted as a function of varying pupil and school district needs. (MJL)

Part of a three-volume report on the effects of school finance reform, this volume summarizes principal findings of the studies presented in the other volumes. The report summarizes school finance reforms enacted between 1972 and 1974 in California, Florida, Kansas, Michigan, and New Mexico. It recounts what happened to school taxing and spending…