States diverge widely when it comes to education funding choices, leading to substantial differences in how much states spend on schooling, the role of local versus state revenue sources, and relative differences among districts in funding levels. Prior studies have documented that Democratic party control of state governments appears to be…

We use close tax elections to estimate the impact of school district funding increases on operational spending and student outcomes across seven states. Districts with passing levies directed new revenue toward support services and instructor salaries but did not increase teacher staffing levels. These districts eventually realized gains in…

This dissertation examines the impact a Tax Ratification Election has on student achievement in Texas. Texas schools continue to struggle with shrinking budgets and increasing standards of student achievement (Equity Center, 2011). This study will provide greater insight into whether school districts that have completed a TRE have created a…

This research briefly summarizes a series of Ohio Supreme Court litigation known as "DeRolph v. State" and then measures the equality of expenditures among Ohio school districts. "DeRolph v. State" was a high-profile school finance adequacy case. Nevertheless, the high court continuously expressed concern for the financial…

Three part article includes: 1) the case for full state funding; 2) the local school district's role; 3) the case for more federal funding. (Editor)

The California Supreme Court's decision overturning the State's school property tax may revolutionize school financing. (Author)

Chapter 6

What is happening in one Westchester town is happening all over the country. Hard pressed suburban voters are saying No to higher school taxes. (Editor)

A whimsical look at how the rich might (and probably will) try to avoid equalization of school spending. (Editor)

Summarizes changes in state tax laws and tax revenues, including income, sales, and motor fuel taxes, and presents data on public school revenues and expenditures. (RW)

Explores the implications for California schools from new legislation calling for school improvement and, at the same time, Proposition 13 that reduced the property taxes. (Author/MLF)

THE ROLES OF THE STATE AND THE LOCAL DISTRICT IN PROVISION OF OPERATING FUNDS ARE DISCUSSED IN RELATION TO FIVE CRITERIA--(1) EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL ELIGIBLE PERSONS TO RECEIVE A JUNIOR COLLEGE EDUCATION, (2) EQUITY OF CONTRIBUTIONS FROM EACH SOURCE, BASED ON ABILITY TO PAY AND BENEFITS RECEIVED, (3) OPTIMUM UTILIZATION OF AVAILABLE…