1. Why do teachers need to know about finance and governance?
For teachers to influence the direction and policy of schools, they need to become more involved in finance and governance issues.

2. How is the property tax connected to unequal educational funding?
Since neighborhood wealth varies, property taxes have led to unequal educational resources. Robin Hood laws, built on the California Serrano decision, attempted to equalize educational funding between wealthy and poor communities, but with only limited success. State courts continue to address these financial inequities.

3. What is the distinction between educational equity and educational adequacy?
Opposition grew to Robin Hood laws and encouraged courts to differentiate between financial input and educational outcome. Courts moved to ensure that all students receive an adequate or efficient education.

4. What are the sources of state revenues?
The most common state sources of school funding are property tax, sales tax, personal income tax, and state lotteries.

5. How does the federal government influence education?
The federal government influences schools through court actions, some funding, and specific programs such as No Child Left Behind.

6. What current trends are shaping educational finance?
School financing in the future will be influenced by accountability, choice programs, the national economy, deteriorating school buildings, and the continuing battle over inequitable funding.

7. How do school boards and superintendents manage schools?
The state legislature, state board of education, state superintendent, and state department of education administer schools, but delegate power to local school boards and superintendents. Boards of education formulate education policy and the superintendent is responsible for implementing those policies.

8. What is the "hidden" government of schools?
Parents, school secretaries, and custodians influence school life and are part of the hidden government of schools.

9. How does the business community influence school culture?
The business community promotes school competitiveness, conformity, and punctuality. Many question the motivation, tactics, and commercialism involved in those efforts.

10. How are schools being made more responsive to teachers and the community?
Some recent trends with school-based management (site-based management), and collaborative decision making, provide teachers with a stronger role in school governance. Consolidation has decreased the number of school districts while increasing the average size of schools, a change that has both supporters and critics.