Stretching the School Dollar: A Brief for State Policymakers
Michael J. Petrilli and Marguerite Roza Thomas B. Fordham Institute
January 2011

Abstract:

This policy brief from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute lists fifteen concrete ways that states can “stretch the school dollar” in difficult financial times. Its authors argue that budget cuts alone, without concurrent reforms, could set our schools back years. But by addressing state mandates around teacher tenure, “last hired, first fired” policies, minimum class sizes, and more, states can free local leaders’ hands to make smart, courageous cuts and do more with less. In other words, this challenging climate is an opportunity to make some real changes in education.