This paper, one of three related documents, examines statewide trends in the distribution of staff in the Michigan public schools. Along with its related documents, it provides a basis for analyzing the impact of state financing mechanisms and funding levels on the overall distribution of resources throughout the state and on the resource allocation and programmatic decisions of the individual school districts. This paper begins with a breakdown of aggregate staffing and staffing ratios and concludes with a discussion of educational equity, equality, and excellence. Graphs and tables are included. (Author/LD)