Examines the conditions that are forcing the Federal Government to take the first serious steps toward an overhaul of educational finances. Predicts that the local property tax will soon be supplemented by substantial State and federal support. Describes potential revisions in the tax structure that would call for equal sharing of the education…

Recommends that curriculum be made more relevant to the community and the student's ability to fit more readily into the community. (Author)

A survey to find what part of the bill for education the State will be paying. (EA)

Reactions of school board members to a plan in which the government would provide families with a voucher for each school-age child, guaranteeing specific sums of money which could be paid as tuition to any "approved schools. Parents would be free to spend this to purchase educational services. Nonpublic and public schools could compete among…

Interprets the contemporary issues in school finance as functions of three phenomena: (1) Educational needs of individuals and society, (2) governance, and (3) ecological characteristics of the population. (DE)

Describes how state and local school aid systems operate in Oklahoma, Delaware, and Alaska, how they have changed, how equity objectives vary among them, and how well the systems achieve objectives. Emphasizes special circumstances in each state and finds that equity must be studied in relation to other policy objectives. (JW)

The initial financial outcomes of the "voucher plan" applied to the nonpublic schools in British Columbia are assessed. The schools are then described and a summary of the methods of financing both public and nonpublic schools is offered. Impacts of aid on parents, students, taxpayers, and the government are discussed. (Author/PN)

The Supreme Court's decision in "Mueller v. Allen" raises important constitutional questions about state financial support for the promotion of religion. The case also raises the issue of whether this nation can provide adequate financial support for public schools while simultaneously diverting tax resources to the nonpublic schools.…

Describes strategies library director Dan Wilson used to keep the New Orleans Public Library ahead of budget shortfalls. Successful lobbying efforts to get a tax levy; growth in the library budget, technology, and services; changes in the service population; and Wilson's role as a facilitator are covered. (KRN)

Summarizes the federal treasury regulation governing the deductibility of educational expenses and outlines why it is disadvantageous to student taxpayers. Proposes that Congress permit the accelerated amortization of qualified educational costs over a five-year horizon. (155 references) (MLF)

Of the 58 referenda held in search of capital funds for public library buildings in 1997, 49 were successful, and of the 67 referenda seeking operating funds, 55 were successful. Funding levels and voter approval rate are examined, and a sidebar describes a bond issue at the Topeka Public Library. (LRW)

Examines the efficacy of nonresidential expanded tax base (ETB) approaches to school finance. A simulation estimated effects of statewide and regional nonresidential ETB approaches on measures of student equity for New York school districts. ETB approaches would improve student equity at no additional cost to the state and need not adversely…