This article presents an analysis of six major issues involved in ASBO's resolution opposing mandatory Social Security: fiscal implications for taxpayers; impact on the economy; mandatory coverage as a solution; patriotism as an issue; promises violated by Social Security; and the legal issues of mandatory coverage. (Author/MLF)

Analyzes the liability insurance program for schools. High costs and limited number of insurers have dramatically affected school liability insurance coverage. (MD)

Shows school business officials how to detect and avoid bid rigging, price fixing, and other types of unlawful collusion prohibited by the Sherman Antitrust Act. School administrators should expand the list of bidders, consolidate purchases as a defensive tactic, consider reletting the contract in tie-bid situations, recognize the elements of…

Reviews pertinent Supreme Court affirmative action cases since "Bakke" and several lower federal court cases, including "Gratz v. Bollinger" and "Grutter v. Bollinger," two University of Michigan affirmative action cases. Discusses how the Supreme Court will likely rule in "Gratz" and "Grutter."…

Discusses impact of the scientifically based research and student-performance data requirements in No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 on elementary and secondary schools. Describes potential consequences for school administrators, teachers, and parents. (PKP)

Analyzes six issues collectively addressed in school-finance-equity rulings by the supreme courts of New Jersey, Vermont, Ohio, and New Hampshire: responsibility for public education, court jurisdiction, constitutional definitions of an efficient/thorough education, district funding levels, state education-finance systems, and property-tax/funding…

State activism in school funding extends far beyond increasing states' percentage of public-school revenues. However, local districts' share of funding has fallen dramatically over the last 7 decades. Equity-, efficiency-, and liberty-enhancing goals are explained, along with assistance-oriented, persuasive, and regulatory policy approaches.…

A prime mover behind larger space requirements is expansion of legal entitlements for children with disabilities, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The list of architectural interventions has lengthened, and is matched by burgeoning effects on space and budgets. Nonphysical barriers must also be addressed. (MLH)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires school districts to offer each student with disabilities a free and appropriate education (FAPE) in the least restricted environment. Circuit courts are split over FAPE damages. This article discusses cases where FAPE damages under IDEA have been denied and where they have been awarded. (MLH)

Describes goals, advantages, standards, and missing components of state accountability systems. (25 references) (PKP)

Argues for the elimination of the control that some municipal fiscal boards have over education. (IRT)

Summarizes the history of federal aid to education appropriations and explains the characteristics of categorical grants, general aid, and block grants. Appended are 16 notes. (MLF)

This interview with the director of the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools describes the purpose of impact aid to districts affected by federal property or employees, identifies problems generated by current funding levels, and discusses efforts toward reauthorizing the program. (MJL)

A series of studies in New Jersey schools documented asbestos abatement and management activities in 17 schools representing 20 abatement sites. Findings demonstrate that school officials must increase their awareness of asbestos issues, improve the oversight of asbestos abatement and management programs, and improve lines of communication among…

Outlines trends in school finance litigation. Examines definitions of fiscal equity, reviews 20 years of litigation, and analyzes recent legal activity. Recent litigation has challenged some states' school finance systems. Court decisions have split evenly regarding permissible disparities in per-pupil operating expenditures, a measure of…