Describes how Winthrop School District conducted an indepth review of historic and current financial and statistical data involving enrollment, revenue, staffing, and expenditures in an effort to meet the requirements of the Massachusetts Education Accountability Act passed by the legislature in 1993. (Contains four references.) (PKP)

Three school districts are working successfully with a private contractor to reduce the operating costs of lunch programs, while increasing participation and maintaining nutrition standards. The facilities department of the fourth school is producing higher quality work and greater accountability under the direction of a private contractor. (MLF)

Asserts the importance of each school business official's responsibility to accurately report the school's financial situation to the state legislature. Uses Minnesota's 33 area vocational technical institutes to illustrate the application of statewide uniform financial accounting and reporting standards to Minnesota public school districts. (JBM)