To launch a successful levy or bond issue, school leaders must check with school attorneys or professional associations regarding limitations on marketing activities, allow sufficient campaign time, actively cultivate the press, and involve officers of all district parent organizations. Administrators should arrange for teachers, board members,…

The American people do not favor tax support for private or parochial schools. The issue of vouchers has been placed before the electorate 22 times since 1966, and the voters have rejected it 21 times. It makes little sense for state and national legislators to continue to press for unwanted programs. (MLH)

Texas has had its Robin Hood school financing system in place since 1993, when the legislature adopted the system in response to a state supreme court order to equalize state spending on public schools. Under the arrangement, any district that has taxable property values exceeding $305,000 per student is not allowed to keep all of its property-tax…

Outlines considerations in planning a referendum campaign stressing the importance of staff commitment, a favorable image, and visibility and credibility. Suggests ways of building community support. (MB)

Discusses the impact of citizen revolt against taxes and governmental spending on community colleges in relation to recent state legislative developments, focusing on the states in which community colleges rely heavily on local tax support. Considers effects on community college autonomy and growth. (MB)

Municipal overburden hypothesizes a causal relationship between high levels of nonschool municipal expenditure (due to high population density, aged housing stock, and other demographic factors) and low school spending levels. This article disproves the hypothesis by estimating demand for education expenditures using a median voter model. Includes…

Describes New York State's experience with school district tax limits in urban districts serving less than 125,000. Originally designed to protect taxpayers, these tax limits have spawned a costly state aid system that raises serious equity issues. Recent legislation removed tax limits and made state aid more equitable. (32 references) (MLH)

Reviews formula funding in higher education literature, including purpose, historical perspectives, definition and development, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and future trends. In light of citizen demands, the formula approach seems the best method to ensure a satisfactory relationship between state government and state…

Discusses factors accounting for poverty trends since 1965: government transfers, human resource and employment policies, macroeconomic conditions, demographic change, and changing education. Criticizes the current transfer system (including social insurance and welfare programs) for adverse effects on economic and social behavior. Available from…

Flaws in the tax structures supporting public schools are pointed out and suggestions are made for changes. (JD)

This article examines the trend toward tax reduction in many states and discusses the possible effects on educational finance. (MC)

Provides a further examination of nonresidential expanded tax base (ETB) approaches to school finance. Disagrees with Townsend's optimism that more equitable distribution formulas can be found in existing state aid systems, and with Townsend's concern that the specification of distribution formulas will be subject to political manipulation.…

This article discusses the inspiring achievements of Zavala and Ortega Elementary Schools. These two schools are examples of "smart money," public dollars that are invested and generate a high societal return, measurable in real, quantifiable results for workers, businesses and society. The author explores ways in improving school…

Describes the development of Proposition One, which threatened to drastically cut education and social services in Florida by reducing the State and local governments' purchasing power to below 1980 levels. Assesses the potential for resurgence of the legislation, following its removal from the ballot by the State Supreme Court. (GC)

This paper analyzes obstacles to educational equity by focusing on state policies and local actions in Massachusetts from 1978 to 1983. Three obstacles are examined in particular: conflicting state-level priorities, the tax revolt movement, and local autonomy. (TE)