The process of selecting a new textbook depends on whether the school board can select any textbook on the market or whether state funds can be spent only on textbooks of which the state has approved. Critics of the textbook selection process argue that much of what publishers offer has already been dictated by the 22 adoption states. (MLF)

Examines Jersey City (New Jersey) Superintendent Franklin Williams' efforts to thwart the state's takeover of his school system, which is facing academic and managerial bankruptcy. An inset mentions other state takeovers or interventions in Texas, New Mexico, and Kentucky school districts facing financial and accreditation difficulties. (MLH)

School districts are caught in a financial squeeze with reduced federal funding, recessionary reductions at the state level, and political pressures against raising taxes. School districts are searching for alternative sources of funds including school impact fees and business partnerships. One method, tax abatement, often costs districts because…

The New Jersey legislature revised the school funding formula by eliminating $250 million in state aid over 4 years to 150 suburban districts and sending nearly $1 billion more to 30 less affluent districts. Contends that the method will ensure mediocrity and stifle innovation. Proposes three other funding formulas. (MLF)

The "friends" are the states, the Congress, and the executive branch. (IRT)

Examines some causes and basic principles of the current movement toward school finance equalization and points out some of the problems inherent in most equalization plans. (JG)

Two well-known observers offer different interpretations of the future roles and powers of local school boards. (Author/WM)

A state takeover of a troubled school system is a drastic intervention but one that can bring about broad-based reform. After the state of New Jersey began operating the Paterson School District, the new leadership prepared a detailed plan for reform and assessed schools' effectiveness. A sidebar points out that 20 states have provisions that…

Argues that contracting with private providers to educate students should be an option for school boards. Cites results from two surveys regarding whether school boards operated under powers enumerated in state law or under "broad powers" that gave boards more latitude in pursuit of defined goals. (MLF)

In Canada, no federal education agency exists, and local school systems traditionally rely on provincial ministries of education for most of their money and for educational direction. (Author/JM)

Describes the circumstances that prompted the state commissioner of education to appoint a "monitor general" to supervise the actions of the Trenton school board. (IRT)

Displays findings from a fall 2002 survey of all states to determine how they were progressing in meeting No Child Left Behind Act's list of requirements. Generally, states and local districts are stronger developing accountability systems but a significant gap remains between the federal law's demands and the capacity to meet them. (Author/MLF)

According to Michael Kirst, school boards are buffers against privatization and must be more flexible, become actively involved in curriculum policy and content, and parry occasional state incursions into curriculum. Kirst's latest project is creating a new vision of delivering children's services to offset the profound economic and social changes…

Concludes a service on the rights of children. Claims that courts and legislators will restrict school boards that continue to abuse their power and authority. School board members are advised to champion children's rights. Some general guidelines are provided that school boards can apply to their own policies on student rights. (Author/WM)