Simultaneous pressures to reduce costs and increase student achievement have never been greater than they are today. Not only is cost-cutting essential in this era of tightened resources, argue Hess and Osberg, but eliminating inefficient spending is critical for freeing up resources to drive school reform. Stretching the School Dollar book brings together a dynamic group of authors—scholars, consultants, journalists, and entrepreneurs—who offer fresh insights into an issue no school or district can afford to ignore. Stretching the School Dollar is a volume in the Educational Innovations series.

A practical and entertaining volume, Cage-Busting Leadership will be of profound interest and value to school and district leaders—and to everyone with a stake in school improvement. Rick Hess aptly describes his aims at the start of this provocative book: "I believe that two things are true. It is true, as would-be reformers often argue, that statutes, policies, rules, regulations, contracts, and case law make it tougher than it should be for school and system leaders to drive improvement and, well, lead. However, it is also the case that leaders have far more freedom to transform, reimagine, and invigorate teaching, learning, and schooling than is widely believed.” In his travels across the country, Rick Hess has met school and system leaders who have shared stories about evading, blasting through, or reshaping unnecessary and counterproductive constraints. Drawing on these stories, and with his sharp eye, Hess shows current and aspiring leaders how they can cultivate and sustain powerful cultures of teaching and learning.

This book goes deep behind the scenes of school privatization campaigns to expose the complex networks of funding that sustain these efforts - often hidden from the view of the public. Using the example of a 2016 Massachusetts charter school referendum, Cunningham shows how wealthy individuals support charter school expansion through so-called “social welfare” organizations, thereby obscuring the true sources of funding while influencing major public policy votes. With vast wealth and a political agenda, foundations have helped to reshape the reform landscape in urban education.

An online expert and home economist gathers hundreds of practical and surprising tips Everyone is being squeezed these days by the faltering economy, but nobody wants to give up the things that add to quality of life. Much more than just common sense warmed over, this handy guide will take them through the doldrums of the current economy, helping them budget and set priorities, while still enjoying their lives. • Hundreds of tips on stretching the dollar—without the no–brainers like "clip coupons" • The few businesses thriving during the downturn are bargain and budget oriented • Does not require a lifestyle makeover

This volume in the pointunterpoint Debating Issues in American Education reference series tackles the topic of standards and accountability in schools, providing readers with views on multiple sides of standards and accountability issues and pointing them toward more in-depth resources for further exploration.

Every day, school leaders across the country are having to make difficult decisions in this economically demanding environment. If you are a leader facing this challenge in your own school or district, this is the book you need! Experienced educators Johnston and Williamson offer practical advice to help you tackle a variety of tough issues, including staff reductions and program termination. You’ll learn how to... Wring every bit of performance out of every available dollar Plan innovations and evaluate their effectiveness Engage faculty and the community Streamline operations using digital technology and social media Use four strategies—reduce, refine, restructure, and regenerate—to make your school more efficient and effective Each chapter is filled with tips, tools, exercises, and mini-cases to help you apply these ideas to your own situation. You’ll gain the confidence and knowledge to manage your budget while ensuring your students get the full benefit of a quality education.

"The volume provides education leaders and policymakesrs with practical guidance on how to make each dollar go further-whether a given dollar is "old" or "new." This book identifies insights, lessons, and suggestions that can help schools spend their funds effectively. The volume is focused on solutions-ways school systems can prioritize and make tradeoffs that can help them spend their dollars more effectively- and more general lessons for how leaders can and should think about these issues. The book provides policy-specific recommendations. When it comes to school spending, getting more bang for the buck is never just a matter of spending on "what works." It's a complicated calculus of student needs, available resources, political realities, and local context. That's why school spending should never be a mechanical task, but an educational exercise-and an opportunity to discover more promising paths forward. This book guides readers through this journey of school spending"--