School-Site Cost Allocations: Testing a Micro-Financial Model in 23 Districts in Ten States. 2nd Revision.

Findings of a study that developed and applied a microfinancial model to track financial resources through the school systems are presented in this paper. The School Site Allocations Model (SSAM) shifts the current finance structure to the schools. First, the model was designed and tested in 30 school districts across the United States. Next, data from the test sites were analyzed to provide indicators of the range of costs required to operate the central offices and schools in 25 school systems, and the use of funds for administration, operations, staff development, student support, and instruction at both central offices and schools. A conclusion is that the SSAM effectively reported the uses of funds by schools and by function, by level, and by type. District administrators and staff found the model to be "user friendly." Once costs were allocated by location and function, districts were able to track funds to each school and classroom level. Several superintendents reported that the SSAM data allowed them to save money, improve programs, and reassure the voting public. Also, statewide application of the model can play an important role in the school-reform movement. Thus, money does matter, it seems, as long as the resources reach schools, classrooms, teachers, and pupils. Twelve tables and four figures are included. (Contains 16 references.) (LMI)