Outlines a model to aid in the empirical estimation and interpretation of the patterns of variation in school personnel salaries across school districts and shows how this analysis could be used to develop indexes of personnel costs. (Author/JM)

The author defends his conceptualization of a cost of education index against criticisms made in the preceding article. The defense focuses on the availability of teachers and the impact of this availability on education costs. (IRT)

Examines school personnel salaries in relation to discretionary and cost factors, drawing from the "Schools and Staffing Survey" and "Current Population Surveys." Educators with greater educational preparation and experience, who exert greater effort and attended selective colleges, earn higher salaries. Urban and high-crime areas pay higher…