http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/6605211

Financing the public schools of Indiana : a report for the Interim School Finance Study Committee and the Legislative Council

This study focuses on the distribution portion of the State school program. It examines the shortcomings of the present system and makes recommendations for changes. The study also considers school transportation in Indiana, school facilities funding, fiscal ability and effort of Indiana school corporations, and compensatory education programs. Problems with Indiana's current school finance program are varied and complex: the basic formula for State aid has not been revised for several years; the recently enacted supplemental grant to aid low assessed valuation districts is very limited; special education and vocational education need sharp increases in funding if equal opportunity is to be provided; and the impact of inflation and the State-imposed levy freeze, coupled with the demand for additional or expanded educational programs, negate traditional school finance reform problem-solving approaches in searching for constructive alternatives. The study recommends a program that would not reduce funds for the high spending districts but would provide increased funds to the low spending districts. The study recommendations suggest a State school support program that will recognize the variations in educational needs among school corporations and at the same time will provide sufficient funds for each pupil in the State. (Author/DN).

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