Shrinking financial resources are affecting school districts across the country, but salaries and staffing patterns in large and medium-sized districts are being affected disproportionately. Whereas the average teacher salary increased 19.1 percent over the past 6 years, the average salary increased just 13.2 percent in large districts and 15.4…

Unlike other universities, the University of Arizona is ending a policy of direct commercialization of faculty research, citing new federal rules governing conflict of interest and institutional budget constraints as the reasons. The decision also follows a suit against the university concerning spinoff rights. Critics argue that the university…

The experience of the University of Maryland system in dealing with statewide cuts in higher education financing is chronicled from 1988, focusing on political influences in the decision-making process, methods used to determine which programs would be cut, and responses to the decisions made. A comparison of four theater programs is offered as an…

A study examined the current financial crisis and politics of retrenchment in two universities during the 1992-93 academic year: the University of Maine-Orono and the University of New Orleans. Emphasis is on the role played by faculty in process and the effectiveness of alternative methods of faculty involvement. (MSE)

A study investigated the effect of emergency loans of up to $275 on retention among 504 loan applicants (347 granted and 157 denied) at 1 university. Results indicate the loans had little or no effect on the likelihood of a student remaining in college. (Author/MSE)

Describes problems in rural education and highlights reform programs in rural schools. Many reform programs combine school improvement with rural economic development. Barriers to reform include the One Best System Model and consolidation. Local control of schools is a key to successful reform. (KS)

A brief history of East Ridge Middle School in Connecticut illustrates the strong economic and demographic pressures that can work against a middle school. The principal plays a crucial role in preserving both the structure and the programs of an effective middle school. Points out strategies to protect and develop middle schools in tough economic…

This story of the University of Massachusetts at Boston during the 1988-91 downturn in the state's economy looks at the preceding growth period, state and higher education response to economic conditions, the university's leadership situation at the time of first cuts, the strategic planning approach adopted, and lessons learned during the…

Outlines the economic and academic advantages and disadvantages of year-round college schedules. Economic factors include cost savings, rising enrollments, quicker graduation due to accelerated programming, higher annual costs, administrative problems, higher tuition, and barriers to student seasonal employment. Academic factors include continuous…

Financial pressures are forcing the closure of some teaching hospitals and retrenchment using such strategies as development of ambulatory care and satellite facilities, merging with or acquiring other hospitals, and shortening patient hospital stays. A table lists revenues and profit margins for the 20 largest university-owned teaching hospitals.…

When faced with severe budgetary reductions, school boards should establish budget-cutting criteria before collecting and analyzing financial data. Site-based budgeting and brainstorming about all fiscal expenditures can help in developing long-term and effective fiscal procedures. (MLF)

The focus on the debate over college teaching vs. faculty research productivity, although important, ignores the central issue of the need to restore proper funding for higher education. Underfunding higher education ultimately destroys both quality and access and affects the public sector the most. (MSE)

Discusses reasons for declines in community college foundation donations and other causes of financial problems. Considers ways of stopping the erosion of state community college funding, and ways resource development officers can nurture private sector ties. Describes state-level resource development for North Carolina's community colleges. (DMM)

Factors contributing to the current student financial aid crisis in higher education are outlined, including rising tuition costs, federal tax law changes, and a policy shift from grants to loans. Federal and state responses to the crisis are examined, and their relative merits are discussed. (MSE)

Russia's schools are experiencing enormous problems traceable to the nation's economic condition. However, many schools today are more democratic, decentralized, and open. Thumbnail sketches of a specialized English-language school, a children's shelter school, and a private school reflect the new diversity in Russian education. (MLF)