The task force was charged with the responsibility of reexamining the whole base for financing public elementary and secondary education in Wisconsin, making recommendations for shifting the base of elementary and secondary school funding from the local property tax to other means of public support to eliminate the disparity of educational…

In this speech, the author summarizes the economic and political issues relating to the current interest in school finance reform and discusses the research efforts of the National Educational Finance Project. He focuses on those efforts of direct relevance to school business administration -- cost differentials among educational programs,…

The implications of the "Serrano-type" court cases are slowly making an impact on State school finance structures. Nearly every State has just completed or is undertaking a study of public school finance problems. Although the impetus for change is coming from the courts, the real work is being accomplished by the governors, legislators, and staff…

This paper outlines the historical background leading to the California Serrano vs Priest decision, discusses the implications of that decision, and suggests what might be done to fashion the elements of a State aid formula to meet the tests of equity and fairness demanded by Serrano. The author presents the various equalizing formulas and…

This booklet is divided into five sections. The first discusses the differences between education costs and education expenditures and the alternative ways that education costs can be measured. The second section shows how economic analysis can be used to isolate and measure the factors that cause differences in education costs. Section three…

The three papers in this volume describe exploratory efforts to adjust state aid to local school districts so as to reflect differences in local costs unrelated to school program content. Each study is limited to an analysis of relevant data for one of the three states considered--Michigan, California, and Florida. The underlying assumption is…

In simple and readily available form, this handbook provides boards of education with the laws and regulations governing central school districts, union free schools, and city schools. It should save both time and unnecessary mistakes and give the board an understanding of the legal framework on which the school rests so that the board can proceed…

Incorporated from questionnaire data, the directory provides detailed information about services provided for children with specific learning disabilities in each state as well as in the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and districts covered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Information for each state usually includes the following: name…

As a result of the new tax law, many tax benefits have been reduced or eliminated, creating a number of financial challenges to colleges and universities. Most major sources of revenue are impaired, while some expenditures are likely to increase. Fund-raising methods, operating costs, and tuition payments will change. (MSE)

Solving higher education's budget dilemma is not just a matter of revenue acquisition or cost reduction. It requires demonstrating to the American people and their elected representatives that higher education's accomplishments warrant its high price. Accountability and performance measurement are important tools for justifying acquisition and…

The Richmond preschool is an innovative partnership between regular and special education. High school students taking a child care course act as aides to the preschool special education teacher and learn to apply and observe classroom-based theory and knowledge of child growth and development in a meaningful and concrete manner. (JHZ)

Explains variations in per pupil expenditures among school boards in Ontario, Canada, using the "median voter model," which compares consumer behavior with government funding actions. With an inequitable tax price an important policy variable, the school grant program needs redesigning to achieve equity without sacrificing efficiency.…

An assessment was conducted to determine accurately the true cost of education at different types of institutions and to identify the degree of government support. The article discusses procedures for updating the data, cost components, data sources, indirect tax expenditures for postsecondary education, and how to obtain additional information.…

With reference to the case of Ohio, this paper considers whether various types of state grants affect school districts by increasing total spending or by providing tax relief. Regression equations are used to estimate the effects of categorical and general purpose assistance on local tax revenue and on outlays for teacher salaries. (MJL)

Argues that local school districts in California have been rendered essentially obsolete by state funding and control due to the combined effects of the "Serrano" decision (requiring statewide school expenditure equalization) and Proposition 13. One board president and two superintendents take issue with this judgment. (TE)