In "Rosenberger versus University of Virginia," the U.S. Supreme Court held that the university violated students' free speech rights by withholding financial support for a student publication, based on its religious orientation. This case explored the intersection of two powerful constitutional protections--free speech and the…

The new governors of five states (Alabama, California, Iowa, Massachusetts, South Carolina), all of whom are expected to influence state higher education policy, are profiled. Information includes election result summaries, proposed initiatives and policy directions concerning college and university financing and student aid, and challenges faced…

Discusses contemporary issues in universities, including increased access to education, the state as the main patron, and new educational environments. Stresses the centrality of fundamental values: developing critical minds, sharing knowledge widely, supporting economic growth, and serving as society's conscience. (VWC)

Describes how delivering on the promises of broad-based merit scholarships has been neither easy nor cheap. Problems with such programs, which offer scholarship money to in-state students who meet modest academic requirements, include skyrocketing costs, intense popularity with the public which makes change difficult, legal challenges, and many…

Reviews 1997 school finance legislation, comparing legislative activity levels from 1994 to 1997. In 1997, 32 states passed legislation pertaining to capital-outlay funding, tax bases, and taxation for education funding. Half passed legislation for state aid, technology, special-purpose education, budgeting/fiscal management, and school personnel…

A chart summarizes state appropriations in the United States for major higher education institutions and programs for 1999-2000, noting the percentage change over the previous year. A second chart ranks the states by appropriation amounts and by one-year percentage change, and also provides specific appropriation amounts and five-year average…

Results of study of impact of Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act on 25 school-construction project costs from 1992-97 and effect thereof on local school districts' taxes. All districts had higher construction costs and property taxes. Projects increased construction costs for the Commonwealth and recommends revisions in prevailing wage-rate law.…

Illustrates how the Arizona School Facilities Board is moving ahead with a massive capital-improvements program for school facilities. Explains the board's guidelines for assessing buildings and funding levels, and ensuring student access to technology. (GR)

Describes how several states are coping with issues related to the cost, value, and funding of online courses offered by virtual (cyber) schools. (PKP)

As school quality improves, does the housing market reflect buyers' perception of that change? In 1993, Texas implemented Senate Bill 7 (S.B. 7), commonly known as the Robin Hood financing of local schools, wherein some of the property tax revenues from wealthy school districts are redistributed to less wealthy districts. Data from Dallas County…

For a long time after the proclamation of independence, Croatia suffered economic stagnation that negatively affected the development of science and higher education. However the turn of the millennium brought higher state investment in science and higher education, and all statistics now show a steady increase in the number of students and…

When it comes to structure, governance, mission, or size, community colleges differ from state to state. One common element in many states, however, is state funding. Whether a state prepares its budget annually or biennially, the human behavior governing the budget process remains the same. Funds are finite. Everyone wants more than can be…

The capital renewal and replacement of the nation's public higher education facilities has been a growing problem for several decades. While the need for new and improved facilities has increased over the years, many campuses simply have too many aging infrastructures that are too costly to replace. This, at a time when we have less than …

Special education enrollments, and consequently overall costs, continue to rise with no apparent relief in sight. To clarify the fiscal challenges con fronting local special education administrators today, this article provides background on how special education is funded in the United States and discusses trends in special education enrollments…

In December of 2009, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels announced that the latest state revenue forecasts predict that the state of Indiana will spend $1.8 billion more than it receives in tax revenue collections through July 2011. Therefore, Governor Daniels announced that he will cut at least $300 million from K-12 education spending in the next…