ADM 502 School Finance

Course Description

This course investigates the concepts of funding public education. Methods of revenue sources, taxation, legislative issues, adequate funding, equality of funding, financing school facilities, and other school finance considerations will be examined. The development and practical application of the public school budget will be analyzed.

Topics and Objectives

Economic and Social Considerations

· Describe the social and economic considerations that influence educational funding.

· Examine the implications of the changing demographics of America and the impact on school finance.

· Analyze the benefits of education on the economy and society.

Financing Education Adequately and Equitably

· Define "adequate and equitable" as related to school funding in America.

· Analyze the relationship between funding equity and equal educational opportunities for students.

Sources of Revenue

· Examine the various sources of revenue available to support public education.

· Describe the history and use of taxes in funding education.

State Funding Formulas

· Examine the advantages and disadvantages of state funding formulas.

· Analyze the state funding for a specific state.

Federal Role in Financing Education

· Describe the federal government's role in public education as prescribed by the United States' Constitution and federal legislation.

· Analyze the impact of federal aid implemented through legislation to current public school programs.

School Finance and Litigation

· Analyze the roots of public school finance challenges.

· Identify the principles involved.

· Analyze court cases dealing with funding equity and educational opportunities that have influenced state funding formulas.

School District Budgeting and Accounting Procedures

· Analyze the various components of a school district annual budget.

· Identify the necessary steps and stakeholders involved that result in a cooperatively developed annual budget.

· Examine budget documents.

· Differentiate between revenue and expenditure budgets.

· Explain the impact of "weighted student count" figures on the budget development process.

· Identify the requirements for accounting, reporting, and auditing procedures relating to school financial matters under state law.

Purchasing and Inventory Control

· Examine purchasing and inventory control procedures that contribute to sound budget policy and budget management.

Bonding and Capital Outlay Procedures

· Analyze the various methods of funding capital outlay projects.

Impact of Political Issues on School Finance

· Identify current and future "politically charged" issues that influence school funding.

School Finance and Litigation

· Analyze the roots of public school finance challenges and identify the principles involved.

· Analyze court cases that have influenced state funding formulas throughout the country, particularly those dealing with funding equity and educational opportunities.

School District Budgeting and Accounting Procedures

· Analyze the various components of a school district annual budget.

· Identify the necessary steps and stakeholders involved that result in a cooperatively developed annual budget.

· Examine budget documents and differentiate between revenue and expenditure budgets.

· Explain the impact of "weighted student count" figures on the budget development process.

· Identify the requirements for accounting, reporting, and auditing procedures relating to school financial matters under state law.

Purchasing and Inventory Control

· Examine purchasing and inventory control procedures that contribute to sound budget policy and budget management.

Bonding and Capital Outlay Procedures

· Analyze the various methods of funding capital outlay projects.

The Impact of Political Issues on School Finance

· Identify current and future "politically charged" issues that influence school funding.