This study presents a new approach to identifying economically efficient school districts in Illinois and provides a preliminary analysis of the determinants of public schools' economic efficiency. Economically efficient schools are those attaining higher than expected test scores at lower than expected costs. Expectation is based on school…

The purpose of this paper is to outline some policy options that might be considered by decision-makers in Illinois as they struggle with school finance in adequately funding the public schools, but also bringing about property tax relief. First the report looks at ways of attaining property tax relief through the distributive side by discussing…

The Center for the Study of Educational Finance at Illinois State University has been monitoring the progress toward or away from equity in Illinois since the state finance reform of 1973. The two main areas of concern are (1) wealth neutrality, or to what extent a district's expenditures are a function of its wealth and (2) permissible variance,…

The current method of financing education in Illinois is explained and reasons are advanced for changing it to afford property tax relief by a more equitable formula. The proposed plan and the arguments supporting it are then offered. The plan increases the state basic support level per student to $1,400, and the state assumes the full cost of the…

The equity of public school funding in Illinois is investigated in this report. A longitudinal, cartographic methodology examines the county as the unit of analysis for the school years 1972-73 through 1990-91. Findings indicate that Illinois school districts are currently more unequal than when the state equalization aid formula state was adopted…

This study of five metropolitan areas indicates increasing social and economic inequalities among suburban schools. In addition, the metropolitan areas seemed to be developing contiguous sectors of "advantaged" school districts and "disadvantaged" school districts. Financial differences are at the base of the inequalities, with high income/low tax…

An overview of the constitutionality of various state public education finance systems is presented. Issues addressed include education as a fundamental right mandated by the education clause of state constitutions and the impact of the equal protection clause on the education clause. Criteria for successful challenges to state school finance…

A reform in the grant-in-aid system passed in Illinois in the summer of 1973 was evaluated. The State Changed on that date from a foundation system to a district power equalization system. Operational definitions of fiscal policy goals, such as fiscal neutrality and permissible variance of expenditures, were established and measurements taken…