An annual school bond survey for New Jersey reveals that while the state's voters had approved 60 percent of the school bond issues in 1998, the communities clearly could not meet the state's multi- billion dollar construction needs on their own. Further, communities with high property taxes had fewer bond elections and approved less of them than…

A 1999 annual school construction survey for New Jersey reveals that the state's voters approved 71.3 percent of the school construction elections, more than the previous year's approval rate of 60 percent. Construction costs also influenced regional approval rates which varied from 59.5 percent in the north to 89.3 percent in the south. Despite…

A report statistically examines the problem of deferred maintenance in U.S. public schools, including the repair funding required to comply with federal mandates in the next 3 years; federal, state, and local contributions by state in 1991-92; the estimated percentage of schools needing repairs listed by state; and the changes in apportionment of…

Analyzes citizens' attitudes and opinions related to community decision-making about education in balloting on financial propositions for schools, pursuing the background to the current phenomenon of decreased voter support of finance propositions and increased financial need of school districts. (Author/JM)

Winner of the School Planning & Management 1997 Building Team Contest is the Jackson Memorial Middle School in Massillon, Ohio. Renovation and addition to the middle school (Jackson Local School District)--the original high school built in 1930--preserved the nostalgia that the structure held for many of the townspeople. Lists 15 ways to help…

The 51.7 million students enrolled in public and private schools this year outstrip the 51.3 million mark set in 1971. Today's taxpayers are reluctant to pay for new schools; therefore, school leaders need to be creative in handling the enrollment crunch. Experts in fast-growing districts offer tips. (MLF)

Examines the effects of the Illinois Property Tax Extension Limitation Law on the revenue growth of collar counties and suburban school districts in Cook County. Finds that the law negatively affects revenue growth. Also finds, for example, that a majority of school business officials are motivated to increase their districts' bonded indebtedness.…

Outlines crucial administrator responsibilities during the planning and construction phases of a new or remodeled school building. Includes designing the program, contracting the architect, and establishing and selling a bond issue. (MLF)

The Dade County, Florida, $1.5 billion school construction and renovation project provides an opportunity to promote social change. By 1995 the school board wants to increase to 52 percent the share of construction, purchasing, and special services contracts awarded to businesses owned by minorities and women. (MLF)

Describes organizational and planning strategies used to convince voters in the Park City (Utah) School District to approve two bond referendums. Offers 10 suggestions for conducting a successful school-bond campaign. (LMI)

Discusses the experiences of one school district in Kansas City (Missouri) in gaining community support and involvement in planning for increased student enrollment while providing the best facilities for education in the most efficient way. Discussions also include the planners' experiences in getting approval for building funds. (GR)

Examines how the Dallas Independent School District (Texas) has been successful in passing new bond issues for school construction and renovation. The school district's strategic methodology is discussed, as are its management tactics in meeting diverse student needs, school safety, and student overcrowding. (GR)

School administrators are increasingly facing concerted opposition to budget and bond referenda. Often, opponents deploy negative campaigning to advance their intentions; that is, they disseminate misinformation in an effort to dissuade voters from casting positive votes. This article compares and contrasts strategies used by proponents and…

Traditionally, local school districts have shouldered the burden of funding school infrastructure in the name of local control, relying upon local property tax revenues and the willingness of local voters to approve bond issues. Given vast disparities in school districts' property wealth, gross inequities in school facilities will remain without…

This chapter reviews recent and emerging legal concerns in the increasingly varied and complex areas of group insurance, bond issuance, and annuity programs, each of which will impinge significantly on school operations in the years ahead, thus involving more staff and administrative time. Group insurance has developed into a major bargaining…