An analysis of the equity issues in North Carolina's allocation of state resources to public schools / by Cathryn Smith Blinson.
| Author/creator | Blinson, Cathryn S. author. |
| Other author | Pressley, James S., degree supervisor. |
| Other author | East Carolina University. School of Education. |
| Format | Theses and dissertations |
| Production | 1992. |
| Description | 72 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm |
| Supplemental Content | Access via ScholarShip |
| Subjects |
| Summary | The purpose of this thesis is to determine how, if at all, the average daily membership (ADM) allotments are affected by the size and organization (number of schools) of school districts in North Carolina. More specifically, the study attempts to answer the following questions: 1. Is the marginal revenue generated by the categorical flat grant allotment system constant in relation to the size of district? 2. What is the effect of district organization (i.e., number of schools) on marginal revenue? 3. What is the effect of demographic trends (i.e., declining enrollment) on marginal revenue? 4. Are marginal revenues and marginal costs equal? Data were collected from theoretical allotments, using the State Education Agency's computer program, for four actual school districts ranging in size from 2500 to 13,000 for 19 common allotment categories. Each district's ADM was adjusted to reflect a uniform percent increase/decrease in enrollment and the resultant allotments computed for five ADM configurations per system. Thus, the data represent allotment formula driven changes in actual revenue for 20 school systems, with the number of schools and allotment categories held constant. A regression analysis produced a linear equation, with all terms statistically significant at least at the .05 level, revealing that a one unit increase/decrease in ADM produced corresponding increases/decreases in the district's allotment irrespective of the size or organization of the district. An analysis of the marginal costs, validated by review by a panel of superintendents and finance officers, revealed that marginal costs do not equal marginal revenue, with the greatest affects produced within districts that are either increasing or decreasing in enrollment. The conclusion was that North Carolina's categorical flat grant ADM allotment system is inequitable for school districts with small schools and those losing enrollment. The study recommends that revising the ADM allotment categories be revised and makes specific recommendations for selected categories, that an equalization system to ameliorate the effects of the disparities in marginal revenue and marginal costs be established, and that an equalization system to ameliorate the abilities of poorer counties to supplement state funding be established. |
| General note | Submitted to the faculty of the School of Education. |
| General note | Advisor: James Pressley |
| Dissertation note | E.D.S. East Carolina University 1992 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaf 39). |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyner | University Archives | ASK AT SPECIAL COLLECTIONS DESK | ✔ Available | Request Material |
| Electronic Resources | Access Content Online | ✔ Available |