Many political leaders advocate for school consolidation as a strategy for solving Indiana's school funding issues and increasing student academic performance. However, school consolidation should be a decision made by local stakeholders and community members with thoughtful consideration given to a multitude of academic and economic factors. The…

In recent years, economic downturn and changes to Indiana's school funding have resulted in significant financial reductions in General Fund allocations for many of Indiana's public school corporations. The main purpose of this statewide study is to examine the possible impacts of these budget reductions on class size and student achievement. This…

This Education Policy Brief examines the origins of the Complexity Index, how it is used in the state's funding formula, and considers whether the state's formula is working to fulfill school funding objectives. It raises some issues that should be considered when policymakers consider changes in either the Complexity Index factors, the weights…

By most accounts, the method used to determine the allocation of tuition support to public schools in Indiana is a complex endeavor understood by few. Governor Mitch Daniels and policymakers are publicly calling for a simplified funding process that provides transparent goals that Hoosier citizens can fully comprehend. As state leaders embark on…

Since contemporary school finance litigation began in the 1960s, almost every state has experienced school finance litigation or the threat of litigation. To date, 45 states have encountered lawsuits challenging their funding of public schools. Delaware, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, and Utah are the five states that have had no school funding…

This report is an update of the 1984 study "Indiana's Public Schools: An Analysis of the Past and Recommendations for the Future," which examined the Indiana school finance formula used to fund public education in the state. A fresh look is taken as a result of formula changes, and the effect of these changes on expenditures for public…