Financial Transparency Archives

Districts face deep financial pain in the next two years. Decisions made this spring will determine how it all plays out.

debraabritt2023-03-17T00:09:14+00:00

Marguerite Roza suggests keeping an eye on six critical issues during this spring's district budget discussions, as decisions made there will determine what happens on teacher layoffs, school closings, program cuts, and more.

Districts face deep financial pain in the next two years. Decisions made this spring will determine how it all plays out.debraabritt2023-03-17T00:09:14+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

The Stakes Are Only Getting Higher For Pandemic School Aid Spending

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:11+00:00

Higher spending in the final months of ESSER makes for deeper cuts come the 2024-25 school year, writes Marguerite Roza in Forbes. Meanwhile, students are still far behind where they should be.

The Stakes Are Only Getting Higher For Pandemic School Aid Spendingdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:11+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Let’s Pay Parents to Help With Learning Recovery

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:13+00:00

Some school districts are flush with cash, but can’t find enough people to fill their open roles. In this Education Week commentary Chad Aldeman asks: what if schools engage families to help make headway on student recovery efforts?

Let’s Pay Parents to Help With Learning Recoverydebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:13+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

30-Min Webinar: Is it too late for districts to redirect ESSER commitments to tackle learning gaps?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:14+00:00

The school year had already started when test scores emerged showing deep gaps in learning. Is it too late for districts to adjust their ESSER commitments to boost recovery efforts? In this webinar we share our latest look at ESSER spending and suggest ways that districts can redirect, and in some cases refocus, their federal relief funds to respond to emerging data on what students need most.

30-Min Webinar: Is it too late for districts to redirect ESSER commitments to tackle learning gaps?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:14+00:00

Webinars

Public Education Missed the Data Revolution. It’s Time to Catch Up

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:16+00:00

Data-free schooling means the system can’t learn as it goes and improve on what it does. It means students aren’t getting the full value from the nation’s investment in public schooling, write Marguerite Roza and Chad Aldeman. What can be done to chip away at this data desert?

Public Education Missed the Data Revolution. It’s Time to Catch Updebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:16+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

What Goes Wrong When Some School Board Members Don’t Understand District Finances?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:19+00:00

A lack of school board financial expertise is especially problematic as members wrestle with the pressures of enrollment declines, inflation, and the temporary nature of federal relief funds, writes Marguerite Roza in Forbes.

What Goes Wrong When Some School Board Members Don’t Understand District Finances?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:19+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

30-Min Webinar: The financial forecast is in! School district budgets are headed for a wild ride.

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:20+00:00

School district budgets are about to be hit by a powerful wave of financial pressures. In this webinar we walk through a mix of factors, explain how - and when - they're likely to hit district budgets, and discuss how district and state leaders can make smart decisions now to prepare.

30-Min Webinar: The financial forecast is in! School district budgets are headed for a wild ride.debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:20+00:00

Webinars

ESSER is fueling one-size-fits-all strategies. Let’s use data to deliver more targeted efforts.

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:21+00:00

The pandemic left schools with mammoth challenges. Using data to zero in on problem hotspots makes tackling them much more manageable. That should happen now, write Marguerite Roza and Ellie Roza, while federal relief money is still on the table.

ESSER is fueling one-size-fits-all strategies. Let’s use data to deliver more targeted efforts.debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:21+00:00

Articles & Publications

30-Min Webinar: How can districts measure learning loss recovery costs?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:16:21+00:00

In this webinar we share “The Calculator,” a new tool that estimates lost learning time in more than 8,000 school districts and how much a district would need to invest to get students back on track.

30-Min Webinar: How can districts measure learning loss recovery costs?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:16:21+00:00

Webinars

New Learning Loss Calculator Estimates COVID Slide, Costs of Catching Kids Up, in 8,000 School Districts

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:22+00:00

The Edunomics Lab team used the results from new research to build a calculator tool that estimates lost learning time in more than 8,000 school districts and what it will cost to get students back on track. In this commentary published by The 74, the authors urge district leaders to take stock of where their students are, and invest federal relief dollars now in ways that work for students.

New Learning Loss Calculator Estimates COVID Slide, Costs of Catching Kids Up, in 8,000 School Districtsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:22+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

What Are Districts Using Their Federal Relief Money for? How Fast Are They Spending It? How Much Is Left? New Interactive Database Has Answers

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:24+00:00

Because Congress directed federal relief funds to flow through states, districts file for reimbursement as the funds go out the door. In an analysis published by The 74, the Edunomics Lab team shares early results of tracking the actual spending data, district by district.

What Are Districts Using Their Federal Relief Money for? How Fast Are They Spending It? How Much Is Left? New Interactive Database Has Answersdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:16:24+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

ESSER Spending: Connecting Investments and Outcomes

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:33+00:00

In this National Comprehensive Center webinar, Edunomics Lab shared an “investment tool” to help SEAs and LEAs assess their ESSER III investments and finalize spending plans to do the most for students.

ESSER Spending: Connecting Investments and Outcomesdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:33+00:00

Articles & Publications

Opinion: Pause HISD’s plan to centralize school funding

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:35+00:00

In this Houston Chronicle op ed, Jessica Swanson and Marguerite Roza urge the Houston school board to take the time to ensure a full public vetting of the superintendent's proposal to centralize school funding.

Opinion: Pause HISD’s plan to centralize school fundingdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:35+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Talking about ESSER: Ways to Build Community Trust and Keep the Focus on Results for Students

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:37+00:00

Laura Anderson and Marguerite Roza map six ways district leaders can communicate about and help make the most of their ESSER investments.

Talking about ESSER: Ways to Build Community Trust and Keep the Focus on Results for Studentsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:37+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Marguerite Roza discusses how school districts should use federal COVID-19 relief funds to improve student outcomes

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:38+00:00

In an interview with Jude Schwalbach at Reason Foundation, Marguerite Roza urges leaders to stay laser-focused on the federal relief funds’ true purpose: ameliorating learning loss and getting kids back on track.

Marguerite Roza discusses how school districts should use federal COVID-19 relief funds to improve student outcomesdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:38+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Punishment for Making Hard Choices in a Crisis: Federal Prison

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:38+00:00

In this Education Next commentary, Marguerite Roza explains why every education leader should care about what happened to Julia Keleher.

Punishment for Making Hard Choices in a Crisis: Federal Prisondebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:38+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Setting Student Progress as a North Star Would Be a Game Changer

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:39+00:00

Shifting the focus from what districts are purchasing with ESSER funds to what progress students are making would be a game changer, writes Marguerite Roza in The 74.

Setting Student Progress as a North Star Would Be a Game Changerdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:39+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Leading Thoughtful Conversations on Resource Equity Using School-By-School Spending Data

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:40+00:00

This resource guides leaders in using data visualizations to foster thoughtful conversations with different stakeholder groups about financial strategy and management, equity and using dollars to do the most for students.

Leading Thoughtful Conversations on Resource Equity Using School-By-School Spending Datadebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:40+00:00

Articles & Publications

Focus On Student Outcomes, Not How Federal Funds Are Spent

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:42+00:00

Congress attached few strings to federal relief funds and will have to trust school districts to spend the money wisely. Chad Aldeman writes in Forbes that the Feds could now help clarify what the money was for by focusing on the student outcomes that matter most.

Focus On Student Outcomes, Not How Federal Funds Are Spentdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:42+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

30-Min Webinar: Will We Ever Know How ESSER Is Being Spent?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:44+00:00

In this webinar we look at how federal relief money is being tracked and what we're learning as a result.

30-Min Webinar: Will We Ever Know How ESSER Is Being Spent?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:44+00:00

Webinars

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Spending COVID-Relief Funds

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:45+00:00

With $190 billion in federal relief funds going to schools, Marguerite Roza shares likely spending mistakes districts will make and some prescriptions for how to prevent them.

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Spending COVID-Relief Fundsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:45+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

An Idea For This Moment: Districts Can Pay Families To Help Get Students And Schools Back On Track

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:46+00:00

Sharing a portion of federal relief funds with families offers school districts a chance to re-engage students and parents and sends a message that they are valued partners in solving problems that directly affect them, writes Marguerite Roza in Forbes.

An Idea For This Moment: Districts Can Pay Families To Help Get Students And Schools Back On Trackdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:46+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Ed Finance Guru Marguerite Roza on How Schools Can Best Spend Covid Aid

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:46+00:00

In an interview with Rick Hess, Marguerite Roza shares her take on how school district leaders can spend COVID-19 aid wisely and well.

Ed Finance Guru Marguerite Roza on How Schools Can Best Spend Covid Aiddebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:46+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

The scarcity mindset that plagues education news

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:47+00:00

Education finance is a messy topic for journalists, and this last year has made it especially hard to neatly summarize the issues. Chad Aldeman cautions that reporters who focus exclusively on questions of scarcity may perpetuate a false narrative and miss the biggest education finance story of the last decade: How are district leaders spending their new financial windfalls, and what effect is it having on students?

The scarcity mindset that plagues education newsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:47+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Existing Federal Provisions Can – If Given Appropriate Attention – Advance Within-District Financial Equity

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:49+00:00

Four existing federal provisions have potential, if made a priority, to work together to foster within-district financial equity, write Marguerite Roza and Hannah Jarmolowski.

Existing Federal Provisions Can – If Given Appropriate Attention – Advance Within-District Financial Equitydebraabritt2023-02-25T18:17:49+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion Presentations & Meetings

Maintenance of Equity: A New Provision with Big Implications for District Budgeting

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:10+00:00

Chad Aldeman and Marguerite Roza explain how an expansive interpretation of a new federal provision could have unintended consequences.

Maintenance of Equity: A New Provision with Big Implications for District Budgetingdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:10+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

What will MoEquity mean for district budgets?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:19:11+00:00

In this webinar Marguerite Roza and Chad Aldeman discuss the new guidance for the maintenance of equity provision and what it would mean for districts faced with implementing it.

What will MoEquity mean for district budgets?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:19:11+00:00

Webinars

Wise Spending of Your Federal Relief Funds

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:12+00:00

As school districts decide how to spend their flexible federal relief funding, Marguerite Roza and Chad Aldeman offer five key questions to help ensure they make the most of it for students.

Wise Spending of Your Federal Relief Fundsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:12+00:00

Articles & Publications

5 Ways Principals Can Make Federal Relief Money Matter More For Their Students

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:12+00:00

Marguerite Roza and Laura Anderson map five ways principals can help make the most of the American Rescue Plan dollars, in a blog published by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

5 Ways Principals Can Make Federal Relief Money Matter More For Their Studentsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:12+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Communication Template for Principals on Use of Federal Relief Funds

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:13+00:00

Based on messaging research on how district staff, principals, teachers, and parents engage with and react to information about school finance, this template will help principals engage their community in a way that cultivates trust and helps make the most of the federal relief dollars.

Communication Template for Principals on Use of Federal Relief Fundsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:13+00:00

Tools & Infographics

Will the American Rescue Plan’s ‘Meaningful Consultation’ Requirement Usher in Community Participation in School Budgets?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:14+00:00

In Forbes, Marguerite Roza writes that the federal requirement for “meaningful consultation” on the use of ARP funds sounds like a call for participatory budgeting, and wonders whether it could prompt a new level of civic engagement in school spending.

Will the American Rescue Plan’s ‘Meaningful Consultation’ Requirement Usher in Community Participation in School Budgets?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:14+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Smart ways to cover the coming ‘year of ed finance’

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:15+00:00

Marguerite Roza offers six tips for reporters on covering how school districts choose to spend $122 billion in flexible American Rescue Plan funds, the biggest onetime federal payout to schools ever.

Smart ways to cover the coming ‘year of ed finance’debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:15+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Early Analysis of State ARP Plans

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:16+00:00

Using a financial lens, the Edunomics Lab team offers an early analysis of state education agency plans for using ARP funds.

Early Analysis of State ARP Plansdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:16+00:00

Webinars

Let Schools, Not District Offices, Decide How to Spend Some Federal Aid

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:17+00:00

In this Education Next commentary, Marguerite Roza and Jessica Swanson suggest that districts give a portion of federal relief dollars directly to schools to decide how best to spend on behalf of their students.

Let Schools, Not District Offices, Decide How to Spend Some Federal Aiddebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:17+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

30-Min Webinar: Federal Funds Are Flowing! What We’re Finding

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:19+00:00

In this webinar, we take the pulse on school districts' early ESSER spending plans to share some of the patterns we're seeing.

30-Min Webinar: Federal Funds Are Flowing! What We’re Findingdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:19+00:00

Webinars

Best- and worst-case scenarios for how school stimulus dollars will be spent

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:20+00:00

Will an unprecedented federal infusion of money lead to an unprecedented recovery effort? In this Thomas B. Fordham Institute blog, Chad Aldeman considers the range of possibilities.

Best- and worst-case scenarios for how school stimulus dollars will be spentdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:20+00:00

Articles & Publications

With federal relief dollars on the way, districts face big decisions

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:21+00:00

In this Education Next commentary, Marguerite Roza and Chad Aldeman suggest that it's a good time for leaders to employ the classic "would you rather" test to help explore spending tradeoffs and think through the cost and value of competing investments.

With federal relief dollars on the way, districts face big decisionsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:21+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

30-Min Webinar: Teacher Labor Market Trends and What They Mean For District Budgets

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:23+00:00

In this webinar, we share what we're learning from the data on teacher turnover and discuss how the current fiscal conditions should inform staffing and salaries as districts navigate budget and hiring season.

30-Min Webinar: Teacher Labor Market Trends and What They Mean For District Budgetsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:23+00:00

Webinars

Remote or in Person? Underspending or Running Deficits? What School Reopening Decisions Mean for District Budgets

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:24+00:00

An Edunomics Lab analysis finds that while many districts are struggling financially, those that have remained mostly or entirely virtual have actually been able to save money. Some are even on pace to run surpluses this year.

Remote or in Person? Underspending or Running Deficits? What School Reopening Decisions Mean for District Budgetsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:24+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

30-Min Webinar: Open Or Remote? What It Means For School District Budgets

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:24+00:00

In this webinar we explore how district spending varies depending on whether schools are remote or in-person (is the financial focus on remediation? or on reopening?), and look at what new federal relief dollars could mean for district finances.

30-Min Webinar: Open Or Remote? What It Means For School District Budgetsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:24+00:00

Webinars

School Spending Data: A New National Data Archive

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:27+00:00

This paper introduces a new national data archive that will capture year-over-year school-by-school spending figures reported by each state and enable easier cost-benefit analysis and new research on equity, innovation, and productivity at the school level.

School Spending Data: A New National Data Archivedebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:27+00:00

Articles & Publications

30-Min Webinar: Impacts of Enrollment Shifts and Learning Loss on District Finances

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:28+00:00

In this webinar we look at the implications of enrollment losses and state revenue declines for school district budget decisions, including hold harmless policies that protect districts from losing state funds. We also consider different district investment options to address learning loss with new federal funds.

30-Min Webinar: Impacts of Enrollment Shifts and Learning Loss on District Financesdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:28+00:00

Webinars

30-Min Webinar: The New Federal Aid Package

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:28+00:00

In this webinar we answer early questions about the new federal relief funds for education and share the latest financial updates and what they mean for state and district leaders in the coming months.

30-Min Webinar: The New Federal Aid Packagedebraabritt2023-02-25T18:19:28+00:00

Webinars

Financial Leadership: Meeting This Moment

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:43+00:00

This article in School Business Affairs magazine illuminates the critical need to develop district leaders' strategic finance skills.

Financial Leadership: Meeting This Momentdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:43+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Analysis: California Gives Districts Extra Money for Highest-Needs Students. But It Doesn’t Always Get to the Highest-Needs Schools

jordan2023-02-25T18:20:47+00:00

In this analysis, Katie Silberstein and Marguerite Roza studied whether funds allocated by California's Local Control Funding Formula actually made it to the highest-needs schools.

Analysis: California Gives Districts Extra Money for Highest-Needs Students. But It Doesn’t Always Get to the Highest-Needs Schoolsjordan2023-02-25T18:20:47+00:00

Articles & Publications

Use caution, district leaders: Even in a pandemic, there’s no immunity from financial missteps

jordan2023-02-25T18:20:47+00:00

In this Thomas B. Fordham Institute article, Marguerite Roza warns that district leaders may be at a higher risk for accusations of financial missteps.

Use caution, district leaders: Even in a pandemic, there’s no immunity from financial misstepsjordan2023-02-25T18:20:47+00:00

Articles & Publications

ED Surprises SEAs with New Data Release

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:50+00:00

In this blog, Marguerite Roza discusses efforts to make new school-by-school spending data easier to find, interpret, and use.

ED Surprises SEAs with New Data Releasedebraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:50+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

When it Comes to School Funds, Hold-Harmless Provisions Aren’t “Harmless”

jordan2023-02-25T18:20:51+00:00

In this Education Next article, Marguerite Roza and Hannah Jarmolowski share how state leaders can address budget shortfalls without making disproportionate cuts to high-poverty districts.

When it Comes to School Funds, Hold-Harmless Provisions Aren’t “Harmless”jordan2023-02-25T18:20:51+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

A Moment of (Early) Truth: Taking Stock of School-by-School Spending Data

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:52+00:00

This brief offers first-cut answers to early concerns and newly emerging questions about new state reporting of per-pupil spending data.

A Moment of (Early) Truth: Taking Stock of School-by-School Spending Datadebraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:52+00:00

Articles & Publications

30-Min Webinar: Updated Financials, and State and District Responses

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:54+00:00

As shortfalls in state budgets take shape, the financial outlook for public education is changing rapidly. In this webinar we share the latest implications for district finances and staffing, and a round-up of how states and districts across the country are responding.

30-Min Webinar: Updated Financials, and State and District Responsesdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:20:54+00:00

Webinars

Straight Talk In Financially Uncertain Times: How District Leaders Can Communicate About The Messy Financial Landscape Coming Their Way

jordan2023-02-25T18:20:55+00:00

In this guest blog post, Laura Anderson and Marguerite Roza share how district leaders can best communicate financial decisions to their staff and communities in order to build trust.

Straight Talk In Financially Uncertain Times: How District Leaders Can Communicate About The Messy Financial Landscape Coming Their Wayjordan2023-02-25T18:20:55+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

New Financial Data Spotlight the District Role in Distributing Dollars Across Schools

jordan2023-02-25T18:21:00+00:00

In this Education Next article, Marguerite Roza and Laura Anderson share what we’re learning from early explorations of the data and the opportunities it provides for education leaders.

New Financial Data Spotlight the District Role in Distributing Dollars Across Schoolsjordan2023-02-25T18:21:00+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

30-Min Webinar: Projections, Stimulus, and Typical District Actions

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:21:02+00:00

What will the financial turmoil will mean for public education? In this webinar we share what we are learning about the economic outlook, CARES Act, other stimulus efforts, and what states and districts might consider as they make financial plans for the coming weeks and year.

30-Min Webinar: Projections, Stimulus, and Typical District Actionsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:21:02+00:00

Webinars

30-Min Webinar: What Will the Financial Turmoil Mean for Public Education?

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:21:02+00:00

In response to numerous inquiries on how school systems will be affected by the economic turmoil, this short interactive webinar shares what we are learning about the financial outlook, and what states and districts might consider as they make financial plans for the coming weeks and year.

30-Min Webinar: What Will the Financial Turmoil Mean for Public Education?debraabritt2023-02-25T18:21:02+00:00

Webinars

How States Can Put Students at the Center of Their School Funding Formulas

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:15:24+00:00

In this Hunt Institute "Making Sense of NC School Funding" blog, Marguerite Roza provides a national perspective on how states approach school funding.

How States Can Put Students at the Center of Their School Funding Formulasdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:15:24+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Edunomics Lab against the tide: Yes, eliminate CRDC finance elements

debraabritt2023-02-25T17:29:05+00:00

When the U.S. Department of Education proposed significant changes to the Civil Rights Data Collection, we broke with many of our peer organizations to write in support of eliminating the school finance portion.

Edunomics Lab against the tide: Yes, eliminate CRDC finance elementsdebraabritt2023-02-25T17:29:05+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Engaging principals in school-level financial data to boost student achievement

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:12:58+00:00

During the Council of Great City School's fall conference in 2019, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, and Edunomics Lab shared insights using school-by-schools spending data and a framework for engaging school leaders in leveraging dollars for the greatest outcomes possible.

Engaging principals in school-level financial data to boost student achievementLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:12:58+00:00

Presentations & Meetings

A Guide for SEA-led Resource Allocation Reviews. Appendix 1: Sample Data Report

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:00+00:00

Resource allocation reviews (RARs) in districts that serve low-performing schools offer a new opportunity to examine the connection between resource allocation and academic outcomes. This sample data report is an example of what state leaders can assemble and share with district leaders.

A Guide for SEA-led Resource Allocation Reviews. Appendix 1: Sample Data Reportdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:00+00:00

Articles & Publications Presentations & Meetings Webinars

Webinar: The Changing Role of Education Finance Leadership

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:02+00:00

This webinar explores connections and opportunities with ESSA's financial transparency requirement, the new Supplement-not-Supplant requirement for a district “resource allocation methodology” and “resource allocation reviews,” and what each means for states and districts.

Webinar: The Changing Role of Education Finance LeadershipLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:02+00:00

Webinars

A Way to Get School Finances Back Under Control

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:03+00:00

This commentary lays out why it may be time for states to establish agencies modeled on the federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) to certify school district obligations before they take effect and push districts into financial crisis.

A Way to Get School Finances Back Under Controldebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:03+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Training School Leaders to Spend Wisely

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:03+00:00

This article in Education Next shines a light on the pressing need to better support district and school leaders in their work on the spending side of the equation.

Training School Leaders to Spend Wiselydebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:03+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Understanding school finance is one thing. Being effective in communicating about it is another skill entirely

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:04+00:00

This article provides tips for school, district, and state leaders to communicate effectively about school finance issues—whether the topic is a state funding formula, a local tax levy, teacher salaries, or spending on athletics—and build much-needed trust and understanding in the process.

Understanding school finance is one thing. Being effective in communicating about it is another skill entirelydebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:04+00:00

Articles & Publications

Webinar: Taking Stock as SEAs Begin Releasing Per-Pupil Spending Data

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:06+00:00

In this webinar, Marguerite Roza and Katie Hagan examine school-by-school expenditures in states where data are available. They share how leading states are incorporating financial transparency data in school and district report cards and discuss what can be learned from these early adopters.

Webinar: Taking Stock as SEAs Begin Releasing Per-Pupil Spending DataLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:06+00:00

Webinars

New Education Department guidance on supplement-not-supplant: Sorry not sorry

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:08+00:00

In this Brookings Chalkboard blog post, Marguerite Roza discusses new U.S. Department of Education guidance on monitoring the “supplement-not-supplant” (SNS) provision of Title I.

New Education Department guidance on supplement-not-supplant: Sorry not sorryLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:08+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

Equipping School Leaders to Spend Wisely

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:10+00:00

In this article in the National Association of State Boards of Education journal, The Standard, Marguerite Roza writes that financial transparency presents state boards of education with a timely opportunity to turn the tide on local leader training.

Equipping School Leaders to Spend WiselyLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:10+00:00

Articles & Publications

A Checklist to Guide Data-Visualization Decisions

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:11+00:00

This checklist will help SEAs determine what they hope to accomplish with their financial transparency reporting and which data elements to include in order to answer a range of critical questions.

A Checklist to Guide Data-Visualization Decisionsdebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:11+00:00

Articles & Publications

Interstate Financial Reporting

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:12+00:00

Interstate Financial Reporting (IFR) was created by states, for states, to meet the financial data reporting requirement under ESSA—and maximize the value of their efforts. Based on a set of voluntary, minimal reporting criteria, IFR is designed to produce data that have common meaning and can be used to make valid, apples-to-apples comparisons of school-level per-pupil expenditures across states nationwide.

Interstate Financial ReportingLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:12+00:00

Articles & Publications

Four Approaches to Assigning Costs to Central Levels vs. School Levels When Calculating Per-Pupil Expenditures

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:18+00:00

With ESSA requiring states to collect and report school-level per-student expenditures, state education agencies are considering setting statewide rules for assigning expenditures to the district or school level. In this brief, we map four approaches states can take and weigh benefits and considerations for each.

Four Approaches to Assigning Costs to Central Levels vs. School Levels When Calculating Per-Pupil ExpendituresLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:18+00:00

Articles & Publications

School Level Finance Survey Converter Tool

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:19+00:00

This downloadable tool helps states combine data from two existing federal surveys to calculate school-level per-pupil expenditures for all schools and districts in their survey files and meet the new financial transparency requirement under the Every Student Succeeds Act.

School Level Finance Survey Converter ToolLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:19+00:00

Tools & Infographics

Webinar: What does the ESSA financial transparency requirement mean for districts?

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:20+00:00

This webinar provides an overview of the financial transparency requirement in the Every Student Succeeds Act, highlight lessons learned from states working toward meeting the requirement, and provide a district lens for thinking about the opportunities this new data can provide.

Webinar: What does the ESSA financial transparency requirement mean for districts?Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:20+00:00

Webinars

Financial Transparency & Equity

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:20+00:00

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires all states to collect and report per-pupil expenditures down to the school level. These four videos may help state education agencies better understand the equity implications of financial transparency as they define and tackle their own financial transparency goals.

Financial Transparency & EquityLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:20+00:00

Presentations & Meetings

Financial Transparency Reporting Requirement: Where to start

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:21+00:00

In this brief we describe our work with 22 state education agencies to identify data readiness to meet the financial transparency reporting requirement under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and outline the inventory processes so other states can identify their own next steps to meet the requirement.

Financial Transparency Reporting Requirement: Where to startLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:21+00:00

Articles & Publications

The Productivity Opportunity: A Role-Playing Activity to Engage Leaders in Financial and Outcomes Data

debraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:23+00:00

This document offers a set of exercises designed to help education leaders better understand the relationship between spending and student performance—and position them to use emerging data to explore opportunities for productivity in their day-to-day work improving education.

The Productivity Opportunity: A Role-Playing Activity to Engage Leaders in Financial and Outcomes Datadebraabritt2023-02-25T18:13:23+00:00

Articles & Publications

With New Data, School Finance Is Coming Out of the Dark Ages

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:24+00:00

In this blog and podcast, Marguerite Roza explains how a sleeper provision in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) will serve up a motherlode of new school-level financial data, offering an unprecedented opportunity to be better equipped to tackle some of education’s most pressing issues.

With New Data, School Finance Is Coming Out of the Dark AgesLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:24+00:00

Articles & Publications Opinion

New Era of School Finance

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:26+00:00

In 2016 we convened leading authorities to discuss the complexities of education finance in light of the new Every Student Succeeds Act. Watch Marguerite Roza’s research presentation, US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s keynote, and an expert panel discussion of the shifting roles in education finance decisions.

New Era of School FinanceLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:13:26+00:00

Presentations & Meetings

A State Information System to Support Improvements in Productivity

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:34+00:00

In this paper, we discuss how states can (and why they should) track and share school-level outcomes relative to school-level spending in their online information systems. Some schools are far more productive than others—getting better student results for less money—yet states are not yet routinely identifying such schools.

A State Information System to Support Improvements in ProductivityLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:34+00:00

Articles & Publications

Funding for Student’s Sake: How to Stop Financing Tomorrow’s Schools Based on Today’s Priorities

Laura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:34+00:00

Most states make major changes in their allocation models only every two decades or so. In this paper, we explore how states can make the most of their redesign to get better outcomes for the money.

Funding for Student’s Sake: How to Stop Financing Tomorrow’s Schools Based on Today’s PrioritiesLaura Anderson2023-02-25T18:11:34+00:00

Articles & Publications

California New Jersey Pennsylvania New York Delaware

K-12 Financial Landscape

Student-Based Allocation

School-by-School Spending