An initiative petition passed in 1982 for a 1-cent sales tax accounted for between 13 and 15 percent of the total public school budget in Missouri as of the 1991-92 school year. Outlines the steps necessary to gather the necessary signatures from registered voters and to get the measure approved. (MLF)

Since 1972, the passage of school bond issues in West Virginia has increased dramatically. The reason--state bonding for school construction. The author describes how this new state-local partnership has worked out for his state and sees it as a potential solution for other areas. (Author/MLF)

During the late 1960s and early 1970s a tax revolt occurred that affected school budgets in states in which citizens vote on school taxes and budgets. While the revolt was started by persons opposed to any tax increases, it was helped by those who felt that reduced enrollments should mean lower school costs and by those who felt that only persons…

Results of a study of voter behavior in three actual and two hypothetical school budget and bond elections in Missouri's Columbia Public School District suggest that voters can be effectively classified so that voting behavior can be predicted. Over 450 registered voters responded to a mailed questionnaire featuring 46 items that measured…

A random sample of 750 adults stratified on the basis of age, sex, and employment status was surveyed to determine attitudes toward the importance of a college education for high school graduates in the college district, college plans for their children, attitudes and knowledge about the college, and voting intentions on a future bond issue. On…

The effects of school size, fiscal independence, fiscal dependence, public vote, and tax limitation on 11 measures of educational quality are investigated. Data obtained from 1,222 city school districts are analyzed statistically. The data substantiate the conclusions of previous observers that excessive school district size reduces the…

The Birmingham (Alabama) school district regressed from a model system in 1926 to a poorly equipped, underfunded one in 1975. In that year, however, in spite of recession and joblessness, the citizens voted a $3 million tax increase for schools. The success of the election may be traced to several factors. Citizens were concerned about the…

This report discusses the dispute in Arizona over the 1967 legislation regulating educational finance and offers alternatives to that legislation. The document describes factors and issues relevant to an understanding of the present dispute, defines accepted principles of educational finance, provides factual information about Arizona's support of…

Describes the financial plight of the Toledo schools, which have closed twice in two years, and the factors that contribute to that plight. (IRT)

A Michigan school district asked local trade specialists to identify school building problems and estimate repair costs. A citizens' committee reviewed the recommendations and the community approved a bond issue to finance the school improvements. (MLF)

Reports on a study that sought to identify those factors which were successful determiners of initial school budget election outcomes. The research focused on a sample of some 200 New York State school districts, half of which experienced budget defeats in the Spring of 1972. (Author/JF)

The U.S. Commissioner of Education assesses the progress and problems of our schools and colleges and outlines the challenges of the future. (Editor)

Ohio schools are particularly hard hit by the taxpayers' rebellion." (Author)

A description of one school district's financial problems resulting from a narrow tax base. (NI)