State and local tax performance in the United States and in the South and implications for the financing of public higher education are considered. It is suggested that despite apparent gains in state tax revenues, little overall growth in real terms has been experienced in the region and nation in recent years, nor can much be expected in the…

The fourth in a series of analytical studies of the financing of community colleges in the United States, this report provides information for the 38 states which accounted for more than 95% of the total Fall 1978 community college enrollment. Data indicate that allocation of funds to community colleges still follows four traditional patterns and…

This report provides an overview of the State school aid distribution plan passed by the New Mexico legislature in 1974. The previous school finance plan, passed in 1969, and the problems school districts experienced under that plan are briefly described, followed by a discussion of the 1974 legislation. The new plan is a weighted-pupil formula…

During 1996-97 each of the three branches of Wisconsin State government--the judiciary, the executive, and the legislative--experienced substantial activity regarding educational finance policies. After describing Wisconsin's current school-finance system, this paper examines Wisconsin school finance based on the 1996-97 actions of the judiciary,…

Describes the debate in Canada about using property taxes to fund education. Reviews alternatives to the property tax and discusses education funding in provinces across Canada. (LMI)

Examines how well, after 12 years and 3 billion dollars, North Carolina's counties and their school systems have succeeded in meeting their previously stated needs for school construction. Focuses on the role of state money in helping counties and on the state's efforts to assist the poorest counties in meeting their needs. (Contains 15 figures.)…

An overview is provided of the fiscal development of the Illinois public community college system. Introductory sections consider the history and administrative structure of the system, and explain special funding provisions of the Public Junior College Act of 1965. The next section provides a profile of past state appropriations, focusing on…

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…

Data on 1982-1983 state support for elementary/secondary and higher education are presented. The objective is to provide policymakers information on how funding decisions vary and to promote self-analysis of how well each state is doing. Data and narrative analysis of regional trends cover: demographic characteristics, state support for…

The fourth report in a series on school finance describes how state school finance formulas are differentiated and the calculations used to measure local need, wealth, and effort. The following topics are addressed: (1) criteria for evaluating state school finance programs; (2) origins of state school aid formulas; (3) operation of equalization…

An overview of the constitutionality of various state public education finance systems is presented. Issues addressed include education as a fundamental right mandated by the education clause of state constitutions and the impact of the equal protection clause on the education clause. Criteria for successful challenges to state school finance…

This report is an update of the 1984 study "Indiana's Public Schools: An Analysis of the Past and Recommendations for the Future," which examined the Indiana school finance formula used to fund public education in the state. A fresh look is taken as a result of formula changes, and the effect of these changes on expenditures for public…

The finances of major school districts in New York State during 1980-81 and 1981-82 are summarized in this report. Trend data are provided on full value, expenses, State aid, tax rates, and local levy. These items are also shown on a per pupil basis for the entire State, New York City, and the balance of the State. Eleven statistical tables are…

This paper describes funding formulas for the new Foundation School Program in Texas enacted under the Education Opportunity Act (H.B. 72), raises issues that have accompanied its first year of implementation, and provides preliminary data to compare prior and existing law. The state finance system, which previously distributed state aid according…

Based on information provided by state directors of community/junior college education, this report reviews state approaches to community college financing. The report includes data from 35 states, which together accounted for 86.3% of the total enrollment in community/junior colleges in 1980. Section I presents conclusions drawn from the data,…