A model for the distribution of public education transportation funds in Indiana
Abstract
The purpose of this study was twofold. First, the current method of funding pupil transportation in Indiana was examined. This examination provided an overall picture of the degree of fiscal equity in the distribution of state moneys for pupil transportation. The second part of the study developed a model to improve the degree of fiscal equity in the distribution. Only data from 299 of 305 school corporations in Indiana which transported pupils for the school year 1985-86 were used in the investigation. The current method for the distribution of state aid is founded on the principle of linear density. The proposed model distributed the same amount of state moneys using a form of percentage equalizing. For purposes of comparison the percentage of state assistance toward the transportation expenditures of each school corporation was used. This was due to the varying levels of expenditures per pupil in the individual corporations. The horizontal equity for students was measured using the range, restricted range, federal range ratio, coefficient of variation, McLoone index, Gini index and Lorenz curve. The correlation coefficient provided a measure of the vertical equity for the taxpayers. After the equity measures were compared between the current method and the proposed model, the model was found to be more equitable for all measures. Also provided in this study was a fully funded percentage equalizing model to illustrate what it would take for Indiana to achieve absolute equity for both students and taxpayers. The difference between the proposed model and the fully funded lies in the amount of state moneys appropriated for pupil transportation. The proposed model used only the appropriation for the 1985-86 school year, where as the fully funded model would require the state to generate new money.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Wood, Purdue University.
Subject Area
School administration
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