Presents the results of a study of 24 superintendents who served in 1 rural school district for 12 years or more. The superintendents interviewed shared demographic information, insights into their school boards, and professional opinions concerning the reasons for their longevity. Most-cited reasons were a stable school board, open communication,…

Since "Serrano v. Priest" (1971), 17 federal and state supreme court decisions have discussed rural schools' unique funding dilemmas. Recent cases illustrate the escalating battle between rural and metropolitan districts over financial resources. If rural schools' fiscal situation continues to deteriorate and state lawmakers shun…

Reviews the nature of rural education and meanings of efficiency as seen in finance-litigation literature. Describes litigation in five rural states (Arkansas, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, West Virginia), highlighting interpretations of the "thorough and efficient" clause within these states' constitutions. Rural schools' small size and…

This transcript of an oral presentation reviews a Kansas Supreme Court decision concerning supplemental contracts (the Hachiya decision), which held that coaching is always performed under a supplemental contract no matter when the assignment occurs. Four previous decisions regarding coaching and contracts are discussed: (1) Smith v Board of…

When the National Forest System was established in 1907, Congress required that 25 percent of revenues derived from National Forests be shared with the counties where they are situated. These proceeds partially refund the tax revenues lost by local governments and help fund rural schools, roads, and other services. In recent years, reduced timber…

In an address to the House Ways and Means Committee on the Revenue Provision in the Year 2000 Budget, Rene Bouchard, CEO of Steuben-Allegany Board of Cooperative Educational Services, discusses the needs of rural schools and how the President's school modernization proposal would help them. Bouchard argues the need for federal assistance to school…

Changes in federal policy affecting rural development in economically distressed areas in 2001 include new markets initiatives, establishment of the (Mississippi River) Delta Regional Authority, and increased infrastructure funding. Infrastructure priorities include highway construction, airport improvements, public works grants, rural…

Any program for the state, local, or federal levels designed to produce more math and science teachers should recognize the special needs of the small, rural, and isolated school. Rural teachers can expect generalized teaching assignments with a greater diversity of subject matter responsibilities than teachers in larger, urban settings. There is…

Inadequate public transportation in rural areas has long been a major impediment for rural residents' access to health care, jobs, and community activities and services. Particularly disadvantaged in transportation are the rural poor, elderly, and youth. This report highlights the benefits to be gained by passage of the Commission on Rural…

When the national forests were withdrawn from the public domain a century ago, they were established with the assurances that proceeds from the sustainable management of their natural resources would be shared with local governments. These proceeds partially refund the tax revenues lost by local governments and go toward funding rural schools,…

Examines the PL 99-457 Education of the Handicapped Act for direct and indirect inclusions of physical education citations. Interprets each section relative to statutory intent and implications for rural program compliance. Recommends strategies for ensuring compliance in rural service delivery. Contains 13 references. (SV)

Two sex discrimination cases recently decided by federal courts in Alabama serve as a warning to small school districts that they must adopt more formalized employment procedures and make certain that the administrators implement the policies faithfully, procedurally and in spirit. (MLF)

Reviews state school-funding litigation since the California Supreme Court's 1971 decision in "Serrano v. Priest." Assesses the impact and evolution of state funding litigation; discusses the subsequent erosion of local control; describes potential future funding litigation involving rural schools, local sales taxes, and urban schools.…

The purpose of these hearings was to review the progress in Mississippi of two programs (Star Schools and Chapter 1, both initiated under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act) which use technology in order to provide instructional programs for economically disadvantaged students in rural schools. Included are testimonies of administrators…

The purpose of this hearing was to review the implementation of Titles I through III of Public Law 106-393, "The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000." Statements were presented by: Honorable Jeff Bingaman, U.S. Senator from New Mexico; Honorable Maria Cantwell, U.S. Senator from Washington; Honorable Larry…