During the past several years, school district personnel have faced an arduous task of convincing a local electorate--including those who are not directly associated with local schools--to increase its own tax rate. Convincing demographic groups that have a vital interest in improving school facilities can be an easier task. Parents who want to…

Ipswich, with about 2,200 students, is one of the many school districts in Massachusetts. Ipswich is governed by an open town meeting at which every registered voter may speak and vote. Budgets in Ipswich are highly detailed public documents in which every salary, classroom, and operating expenditure is identified. The budget book provides…

Four studies indicate that many school buildings are either inadequate to house current student populations and instructional modes or require major repair or renovation. The studies document old facilities and billions of dollars of necessary repairs that have not been made due to deferred maintenance, insufficient capital improvement funding,…

Describes how public schools can develop plans for coping with decreased student enrollment and limited revenue due to military base closures. Describes how two school districts responded to the closure of two military bases (George Air Force Base and Norton Air Force Base) in San Bernadino County, California. Two figures are included. (LMI)

Examines demographic changes in American education over recent decades and makes near-future projections. Increased enrollment will occur throughout 2005, especially in the West. Hispanic enrollments are rapidly increasing. The number of teachers will rise 17% from 1992 to 2004; pupil-teacher ratios will remain stable. State and federal…

Colorado Springs (Colorado) School District 11 was the first to offer advertising opportunities via its school buses. This action was taken after new investment policies, self-insurance, contracting out, and salary freezes proved inadequate to offset voters' reluctance to increase taxes. Opposition was limited, due to strong community support and…

Between 1994 and 1998, capital outlay funding bills for school facilities, tax bases, and taxation bills experienced the greatest growth in state legislative activity. This article discusses the reasons for increased funding activity, various state-aid mechanisms to fund capital outlay, and future capital funding directions. (MLH)

Describes the debate in Canada about using property taxes to fund education. Reviews alternatives to the property tax and discusses education funding in provinces across Canada. (LMI)