Abstract
The purpose of this study was to conduct an in-depth analysis of six California "high wealth" school districts to determine how they have managed in the face of declining State financial support to maintain high pupil achievement. What services offered by these districts, in 1978, have been terminated or reduced as a result of limitations on income imposed by Serrano Priest and Proposition 13? What measures have been taken by these districts to reduce expenditures? To what extent have these districts replaced lost income? What ways have they supplemented their resources through nontraditional sources? Key findings. (1) The six study districts which were spending from 6.7 percent to 22.5 percent more money per pupil than the average comparable district prior to Serrano and Proposition 13 are now spending from 1.6 percent to 10.2 percent less than the average district. (2) Teaching positions were eliminated through increase class size, elimination of seventh periods at the secondary level and elimination of compensatory periods for activities and athletic directors at the high school. (3) The greatest program reductions were in the areas of health services, psychological services, counseling and library/media where clerical personnel often replaced certificated employees and professional services to students and teachers were severely reduced or eliminated. The following recommendations were made as a result of this study: (1) Districts need to spend a sufficient amount of time in the planning process to ensure the most effective and efficient use of their resources. (2) Districts need to develop and implement procedures to reduce expenditures and generate additional income. Recommendations for further study. (1) A study of "low wealth districts" to determine if they received an increase in their funding level, and what effects, if any, it had on student achievement. (2) A study to determine if there is a correlation between "high wealth" school districts and the socio-demographics of the community it serves.