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Schoolhouses, courthouses, and statehouses after Serrano

Author

Listed:
  • William N. Evans

    (Department of Economics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland)

  • Sheila E. Murray

    (Martin School of Public Policy and Administration and Department of Economics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky)

  • Robert M. Schwab

    (Department of Economics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland)

Abstract

The constitutionality of public school finance systems has been challenged in 43 states in the 25 years since the landmark Serranodecision. Using data on revenues from more than 16,000 school districts over the 1972-1992 period, this article assesses the impact of court-mandated reform on the role of the states in school finance. We find that resources from the state increased while revenues from local districts were roughly unchanged after successful litigation. States also followed a more aggressive redistribution policy in the aftermath of court-mandated reform; after successful litigation, state aid to the poorest districts increased and aid to the wealthiest districts remained unchanged. Finally, we find that reforms that were initiated by the states without judicial prodding were typically ineffective.

Suggested Citation

  • William N. Evans & Sheila E. Murray & Robert M. Schwab, 1997. "Schoolhouses, courthouses, and statehouses after Serrano," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 16(1), pages 10-31.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jpamgt:v:16:y:1997:i:1:p:10-31
    DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1520-6688(199724)16:1<10::AID-PAM2>3.0.CO;2-L
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Silva, Fabio & Sonstelie, Jon, 1995. "Did Serrano Cause a Decline in School Spending," National Tax Journal, National Tax Association;National Tax Journal, vol. 48(2), pages 199-215, June.
    2. Walter W. McMahon, 1991. "Geographical Cost of Living Differences: An Update," Real Estate Economics, American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association, vol. 19(3), pages 426-450, September.
    3. Courant, Paul N & Gramlich, Edward M & Loeb, Susanna, 1995. "Michigan's Recent School Finance Reforms: A Preliminary Report," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 85(2), pages 372-377, May.
    4. Silva, Fabio & Sonstelie, Jon, 1995. "Did Serrano Cause a Decline in School Spending," National Tax Journal, National Tax Association, vol. 48(2), pages 199-215, June.
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