School Spending

The business of education. An online anthology on school finance from ASBJ.

Fraud in the Lunchroom
Corporate bullies are siphoning large sums from money earmarked for school lunch and breakfast programs. Vendors can shortchange the weights and measures of food deliveries, or substitute inferior or counterfeit food products for higher-quality items. Cases of product substitution and cheating with weights and measures have been linked to organized crime.
February 2012

Plan for the Best
Parents leaving for charter schools are not all anti-public education, anti-social, or driven by religion. They do want attendance stability, relevant education, less politics and board infighting, and more beneficial programs development instead of change for the sake of change. They want less uncertainty from poor planning.
February 2012

Follow the Money
Two decades ago, not a single penny of taxpayer money was spent on charter schools. This year, public funding for charters will run into the billions of dollars. ASBJ looks at where the money comes from and its growing influence on education reform.
February 2012

Being Good District Stewards
Donors contributing money or goods are investing in your district’s mission. Let community members know that all fundraising activities must be preapproved by district leaders. Such procedures will reassure potential donors that the soliciting organization is legitimate. In addition, if the district puts measures in place to coordinate fundraising, competition between groups may be minimized.
January 2011

Education Vital Signs: School Spending
Education Vital Signs collection of reports on School Spending.