ABSTRACT
Educators have too few opportunities for reflection, and reflection is priceless because it anchors leaders’ understanding of how the many pieces of school funding fit together. The past, present, and future can be aptly described, that is, public school wars are about liberty, efficiency, and equality; social vs. individual benefits; federal and state constitutions; tax tolerance and resistance; and control of agendas/local control. The liberty, efficiency, and equality wars have opened new options for Americans who for personal reasons want alternatives to public schools. Charter schools throughout the nation are funded via various mechanisms, typically in similar fashion to the host state’s general school aid formula. An eye to the future prepares leaders to proactively respond to the changes that are roiling the landscape. While charter school organizations have dominated the landscape, other variants of school choice also have taken root. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
