Describes New York State's experience with school district tax limits in urban districts serving less than 125,000. Originally designed to protect taxpayers, these tax limits have spawned a costly state aid system that raises serious equity issues. Recent legislation removed tax limits and made state aid more equitable. (32 references) (MLH)

This handbook was prepared in response to a 1978 New York State Supreme Court decision which ruled that the funding of education in New York violated the equal protection clause and the education clause of the State Constitution. The Court instructed the State Legislature to enact a more equitable way to finance public education. Written for the…

Discusses Milwaukee's (Wisconsin) use of public tax dollars to finance private education and what the implications are for public schools. Examines how the controversial concept got started, its support in the courts, and the pros and cons of its implementation on public schools relative to the school-choice debate. (GR)

Argues that categorical funds should be available with few restrictions so that local education agencies can make decisions on how to add the funds to the tax-levy base. Claims that this type of funding could provide a variety of instructional programs to meet the needs of targeted students, without segregating them or contributing to their…

Diverse economic, social, and legal concerns have brought renewed attention to the problem of financing public schools. The primary economic concern is preparing students to compete successfully in the international marketplace. The change in demographics of the United States also is a major social concern for education. Legal concerns focus on…

The private corporation leasing arrangement, as a source of school construction funds, is increasingly being used in Indiana; however, the principles are applicable in any state. The private corporation charges a project fee, which represents its maximum anticipated profit. The private corporation obtains the funds for the project; makes the…

This book offers an overview of educational finance law and examines constitutional challenges to state aid plans. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to education finance litigation, including the early history of education finance litigation and early education finance theory. Chapter 2 discusses the states' responsibilities for providing equal…

Explains variations in per pupil expenditures among school boards in Ontario, Canada, using the "median voter model," which compares consumer behavior with government funding actions. With an inequitable tax price an important policy variable, the school grant program needs redesigning to achieve equity without sacrificing efficiency.…

The Minnesota school finance system is the method by which funds are provided for the operation of public elementary and secondary schools and public postsecondary vocational-technical institutes. This document comprises a reference guide for state legislators to the Minnesota school finance system. It begins with historical and legal background…

The Guastello-Zollar funding formula provides a foundation of state financial support to community colleges based on a "fair share partnership" concept of funding and a program of investment/incentive grants awarded to encourage colleges to implement programs which have high priority in Michigan's educational policy goals. The fair share…