The rationales for various state-finance distribution formulas, from 1896 to the present, are explained along with the rationales of the lawsuits questioning their validity. Chapter 1 describes attempts at financial equity from 1896 to the 1950s. Chapter 2 examines the current status of financing public education, emphasizing a state's obligation…

The achievement of excellence in public education is improbable within the near future. Equalization of resources in funding education can have more or less beneficial aspects depending upon the formulas used. (JOW)

The second of two articles addresses recent school finance litigation raised in five states. These decisions appear to have strengthened the concept of education as a state responsibility, so much so that the likelihood of significant reversal toward increased local autonomy appears to be improbable. (MLF)

In "Kadrmas v. Dickinson," suit was brought challenging the constitutionality of a North Dakota statute allowing certain public school districts to charge user fees for transporting students. In 1988, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution does not require states to offer such services. The decision seriously erodes equal…

This book offers an overview of educational finance law and examines constitutional challenges to state aid plans. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to education finance litigation, including the early history of education finance litigation and early education finance theory. Chapter 2 discusses the states' responsibilities for providing equal…

This paper is part of a collection of 54 papers from the 48th annual conference of the Education Law Association held in November 2002. It addresses education finance litigation generated by "Serrano v. Priest." (Considered a landmark decision of the Supreme Court of California, "Serrano" resulted in victory for funding-equity…

After summarizing the philosophy behind the financing of public schools, this document reviews the division of legal responsibility for education between the state and federal governments; outlines the state's responsibility for providing an equal educational opportunity for its residents; and summarizes the use of federal revenues, state…

Examines and addresses the major issues involved in school districts voluntarily filing for protection under the control and supervision of Chapter 9 of the Federal Bankruptcy Act. Discusses legal and managerial alternatives and examines the most recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the rejection of collective bargaining contracts under the act.…

Indiana public policy has frozen local property tax levies for public education funding since the early 1970s, which has resulted in an educational system largely supported by state fiscal aid. A statistical analysis of the fiscal equity of Indiana's school operating expenditures for the latest school year preceding the freeze (1972-73) and the…

This chapter of "Principles of School Business Management" provides a generic overview of the major tasks associated with financing a school district's large capital programs. The chapter opens with a brief historical review of the limited provisions made for capital outlay prior to the 1960s and of the trends in financing in recent decades. The…

Explores the legal implications of tax credits and educational vouchers for the constitutional issues of separation of church and state. Forecasts that the financing of elementary and secondary education by these proposed methods is constitutionally impermissible. (MLF)

The latest educational reform is that of charter schools. This article surveys the perceived benefits of charter schools and their organizational characteristics. Describes fiscal and policy issues and outlines seven critical components necessary for passing successful charter legislation. One figure is included. (Five references) (LMI)

After explaining briefly the history of educational funding in the United States, the authors discuss the current revenue sources and fiscal status of American public school facilities financing. Included are three tables with state-by-state information concerning bond referenda, public school bonded indebtedness, and debt loads. (JBM)

This comparative study examines the functioning of Indiana school districts that are placed under control of the state school property tax review board for the purpose of emergency relief. The study sought to determine the fiscal status on selected criteria of seven such "controlled school corporations" (CSCs) for the 1985 budget year by…

The contemporary school business administrator must be knowledgeable in a wide variety of areas. This book was designed to serve as a basic reference for practicing school business administrators as well as a text for graduate courses in school business administration. It offers a comprehensive overview of school business management. Chapters 1-3…