A Collateralized Mortgage Obligation (CMO) is a specially designed multiclass, pay-through bond. Explains CMOs and how their purchase can enhance a district's portfolio. (MLF)

In May 1997, the Federal Communications Commission provided funding and policies for implementing the Snow-Rockefeller-Exon-Kerrey Amendment of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The amendment states that schools and libraries should have access to telecommunication services for educational purposes at discounted rates. This article explains the…

Describes how Colorado's Pueblo School District #70 dealt with impending funding cuts. The district developed a Budget Reduction Model to educate the public about the impact of loss of funding on various school-district goods and services. Presents the timeline and tools used to examine areas for potential cuts and to arrive at a consensus about…

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…

Describes the process of performance measurement: What is being measured, how it may be affected by factors (such as parent involvement) beyond the school's control, what measures of performance might be appropriate, and what directions research might take that will increase knowledge of those things that affect (or drive) the learning process.…

Discusses alternative sources for school funding to replace the traditional heavy reliance on local property taxes and addresses the problem of financial inequity between school districts. Proposes complete state financing of all school districts and an increased state income tax as possible alternatives to local property tax-based school funding.…

The second of two articles discusses reciprocal services, some history of governmental involvement in indirect costing, and some alternative methods of dealing with the problems at the local school district level. (Author)

School administrators are advised to invest school funds for maximum return, coupled with safety and flexibility. The advantages and disadvantages of a variety of investment instruments are explained. (MLF)

The capital markets approach is an alternative means of risk financing whereby a school system establishes and controls its own insurance company and makes systematic contributions to pay for expected and anticipated losses and their associated costs. (MLF)

Explains the complexities of the process involved in obtaining payment on a forfeited bidding contract and the exceptions to the general rule on forfeiture for contract bids. Includes discussion of court litigation on the topic. (MD)

Summarizes techniques for interpreting the balance sheet and the statement of revenues, expenditures, and changes-in-fund-balance sections of the comprehensive annual financial report required of all school districts. Uses three tables to show intricacies involved and focuses on analyzing favorable and unfavorable budget variances. (MLH)

An overview of recent litigation involving attempts by the federal government to recover allegedly misspent funds. Suggests that the administration intends to ensure that federal funds for education not be misused or abused. (MLF)

After analyzing the causes of public education's current fiscal crisis, this article offers a marketing approach to educational management as a possible long range solution. A model marketing plan is outlined and some applications for raising revenues are identified. (MJL)

School districts can effect considerable savings by obtaining maximum banking services. A procedure is offered for choosing a bank depository based on services to be rendered. (Author/MLF)

Enrollment decline is expected to continue until at least 1983-84. With that fact as a reality, administrators should marshal available creative talent and search out solutions. A table shows the percent of enrollment changes Fall 1971 to Fall 1976 in the 50 largest school systems. (Author/MLF)