The cost-effective management of instructional programs and facilities will continue to be a fundamental educational issue in the 21st century. This handbook discusses issues to be considered in assessing the cost effectiveness of year-round education (YRE). YRE has the potential to enhance student retention of material, reduce teacher and student absenteeism, and reduce the number of new school buildings. The handbook is based on experience of the Oxnard (California) School District, which began phasing in a 60-20 multitrack YRE program in 1976. It asserts that any analysis of the costs associated with YRE must address the operational costs for single and multitrack calendars and its potential to avoid capital costs in multitrack calendars. The handbook offers capital and operational cost studies for 11 school districts or education systems across the United States. It also provides a breakdown of costs incurred by the Oxnard School District for personnel, maintenance, custodial service, utilities, transportation, school lunch programs, materials and supplies, and mobile storage cabinets. Copies of articles about YRE from "Standard & Poors" and "Business Week" are included. (LMI)