In a November 1998 "Forbes Magazine" article, Peter Brimelow claims that seven states, including Indiana, employ a greater percentage of "nonteaching bureaucracy" than classroom teachers. Using National Center for Education Statistics school staffing definitions, this article paints a different picture and decries the folly of…

A director of food services in an Indiana district analyzed costs of centralized versus decentralized food service. She discovered that preparing food at satellite schools, despite problems with inadequate equipment and outdated facilities, was more cost-effective. It is important for each district to analyze its own data and decide which system…

Technology is a funding priority among federal education programs, which provide schools with networking capabilities and students with Internet access. Other programs include Star Schools (targeting underserved students), the Technology Literacy Challenge, and the 1997 Telecommunications Act providing E-Rate discounts. State technology funding…

Reviews two approaches to educational finance reform: one state-initiated (Indiana's 1993 problem-driven school-funding formula), the other federally initiated (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Applies lessons from these two approaches to current state efforts to reform local public schools. (Contains 16 references.) (PKP)

Responses by Indiana school business officials to a questionnaire (177 for a 88.5% return rate) identified 4 areas of a successful training program: (1) develop communication and human interaction skills; (2) establish mentor and internship programs; (3) continue periodic workshops; and (4) increase computer and technology literacy. (MLF)

Policy makers are turning away from individual performance pay, favoring school-based rewards that expand curriculum or fund other improvements. Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Texas have adopted performance-based rewards and sanctions. Policy makers must balance state and local control and align performance indicators with school…