In "Corporate School Takeovers," the National Education Association expresses indignation over profit making by private companies providing services to schools. Argues that profits are a way of recognizing costs that exist in all school settings. The seeking of profits is no more selfish than the seeking of higher salaries, promotions,…

Calls for the continued privatization of public schools and the application of business solutions to school management problems are nothing new. Successful small-scale experiments at privatization will continue to have an incremental effect on educational reform. Even failed experiments offer opportunities about how to manage public education.…

School boards are woefully unprepared to deal with "make or buy" issues, due to massive union efforts to eliminate or restrict board freedom to contract for services. Teachers neither understand nor support a market economy. School boards' contracting out ability will not be secure until favorable legislative options are considered and…

Examines background issues on privatization along with reviewing arguments regarding its adoption. Notes the vertical lack of governmental controls and regulation of privatization. Raises lingering legal questions that remain in the rush to privatization. (MLF)

Discusses seven propositions underlying the strategies that insurance pools can, will, and must pursue: (1) risk management versus risk financing; (2) elimination of windfall advantages; (3) the maintenance of market-dominant status; (4) cost leadership; (5) client focus; (6) innovation and diversification; and (7) leadership challenges. A sidebar…

The expertise and resources of contracted student transportation can free up school administrators' time and attention. When school boards are considering contracting student transportation, the school business official's role is crucial in taking an objective look at all the policy options. Cites three sources for additional information. (MLF)

The project manager for Educational Alternatives, Inc. (EAI) and the Hartford Public Schools summarizes the relationship between the two organizations; lists questions that an administrator should ask when considering purchasing services, and how EAI would have answered them; and describes lessons learned. (MLF)

Addresses two sets of questions with regard to school choice. The first set focuses on the meaning of school choice, the proposed benefits of choice plans, whether such plans have been tried, and what the research concludes about school-choice arrangements. The second set presents the rationale for open enrollment and controlled choice and offers…

Both public and not-for-profit private schools contract with private vendors for specialized services. Current advocates of the privatization of public education are looking to extend privatization into the areas of management and instruction. Describes experiences of the Edison Project and Educational Alternatives, Inc. Offers advice to school…

Ontario, Canada's grassroots movement toward integrating disabled students harmonizes with governmental intentions to reduce costs while preserving student rights and accountability. However, decentralized, market-driven models hamper equity. More students are labelled exceptional, schools target privileged enrollees, minority students lack…