Tests an interest-group model of public spending by using variations in spending levels across states and counties. Results provide support for this model, in that education spending increases as the number of parents in the electorate increases. An analysis of Texas counties shows that areas with relatively large elderly populations spend less on…

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…

Examines older adults' support for K-12 education, using a national panel of counties over time. The elderly do have the potential to affect educational spending indirectly through where they live. Support for education spending may depend on how the elderly are distributed relative to children among counties. (Contains 15 references.) (MLH)

Explains the United Kingdom's educational finance system and summarizes research into educational costs and resources at the individual school level, including the Loughborough research projects in the four Local Education Authority areas. Statistical investigations show that inequalities in funding and resource allocation need to be addressed.…

Explores the great diversity of public and private support of education in various countries. Part I presents a theoretical model relating the relative size of the educational private sector to excess and heterogeneous demand. Part II applies this model to the United States, Japan, Holland, and India. Includes 18 references. (MLH)