In states with a large number of small school districts, such as Colorado (exemplified by the the case study examined in this paper), reorganization would seemingly result in significant economies of scale and equalization of the tax bases that support the schools. (Author)

A study of selected districts in 18 states concluded that economies of scale consistently and significantly influence how educational resources are allocated among schools. District size figures significantly in inequalities present within districts. Equalizing both school and district size is essential for achieving equitable distribution…

In Britain, as in America, major birth rate fluctuations have increased the complexity of providing schooling. Declining birth rates and migration limitations since the 1960s have forced widespread school closures. This paper examines the financial aspects of school closure history and projects the future situation under the newly decentralized…

Examines the evolved meaning of useful policy information associated with district consolidation in rural New York State. Advocates a grass-roots triangulation approach that establishes a common proxy of small K-12 districts embedded within small township jurisdictions, identifies particular enrollment patterns in a seven-county area, and…

This lengthy article traces the historical development of Texas state aid and the state's school finance system, notes current revenue sources, describes the formulas and indexes now used to determine state aid, discusses district reorganization and consolidation, analyzes teacher salaries, and suggests reforms to improve the current finance…

Data prepared by the British Columbia School Trustees Association were used to identify fundamental variables affecting school district expenses. Correlation and multiple regression analysis reveal that teacher salary costs per pupil and mean school size combined with pupil-teacher ratio are the primary predictors of operating costs. (MCG)

Statistical sources demonstrate negative effects on educational spending in Canada in the 1990s, due to policies adopted in response to a severe recession and ballooning federal and provincial deficits. Massive restructuring (centralization and district consolidation) is occurring to increase efficiency. Retrenchment will probably be completed by…

Chief state finance officers of 24 states were surveyed to discover state legislatures' response to school-finance litigation affecting small and rural school districts. In 17 of 21 states with final constitutionality rulings, funding formulas for rural districts did not change as a result. (Contains 25 references.) (MLH)