The bonding authority and bond bank concepts have evolved as effective and efficient methods of assisting local education agencies in financing school facility construction and other capital improvement programs. This discussion defines bonding corporations and reviews their historical development, current status, and potential. (TE)

A small federal program piloting tax credit bonds to support school construction, the Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB), has existed since 1997--providing evidence of how tax credit bonds could work. This paper analyzes the results of QZABs to date in order to inform policymakers, advance the debate over federal school construction aid, and…

In 1995, the Missouri Legislature adopted Senate Bill 301, which directs the Health and Educational Facilities Authority of the State of Missouri to assist school districts in the issuance of general obligation bonds. The law charges the Authority with developing guidelines for and administering two voluntary methods relating to the issuance of…

This article summarizes "The Majority Rule Act for Smaller Classes, Safer Schools and Financial Accountability" (Proposition 26). The Majority Rule Act deals with the percentage vote that a school district, county office of education, or community college, needs in an election to authorize local general-obligation bonds for school…

Discusses litigation arising from problems in financing education. Cases are treated separately and classified according to the level of government providing the financing. (Author/JF)

This chapter reviews recent court decisions affecting the following areas of school finance: Federal and State aid, school district spending, tax levies and assessments, and bonding practices. (JH)

Inflation has affected school construction through cost increases, defeated bond issues, fewer buildings and additions, and steep interest rates. Explains how dwindling construction money is being spent. (KJ)

School systems with a rating of "A" or lower can save money by insuring their bonds because, in almost every instance, the reduced borrowing cost more than offsets the bond insurance premium. Included is a list compiled by Donna Harrington-Lueker of the four major players in the bond insurance field and elements to consider in choosing…

The combined effect of the "Serrano" decision and Proposition 13 left California school districts with aging, overcrowded facilities. Chico schools won a $18.5 million general obligation bond election for facilities construction. With $11 billion needed for new school construction, California will need to tap local sources. A sidebar…

Notes four strategies that will almost certainly result in losing a school bond election, then discusses four strategies that increase the probability of passage. (SR)

To help sell a school bond issue in Akron, Ohio, the district recruited speakers that the voters could identify with: coaches, school board members, ministers, parents, senior citizens, and key school staff members. Speakers were brought together for a training session to go over presentation skills and the key selling points identified by the…

Provides an overview of changes in Treasury Regulations as they affect school debt financing, including bond and note construction and acquisition issues, other types of equipment and property financing, as well as tax and revenue anticipation notes for working capital needs. (MLF)

Since the State of Maryland does not provide funds for the construction of dormitories, dining halls, student activities, buildings, and similar ancillary services, an outline of cost responsibilities for such facilities in the state college system is presented. Based on a discussion of the financing methods for ancillary projects, the role of the…

An outline is presented of business procedures related to the many facets of educational program operations. Statutes, regulations, practices, attorney general's opinions and reports, and court decisions relative to school business in Iowa are cited. While the report is a review of the procedures for the state of Iowa, a number of procedures are…

Outlines strategies which have proven successful in developing, conducting, and passing tax referendum campaigns, with regard to collection of data, length of campaign, need for competent leadership, development of community and business support, and use of students, administrators, and school staff in conducting the campaign. (MB)