School District Governance

Local Government

Counties and municipalities are fixed administrative districts with local self-governing powers. They are established by state law (federal law in the case of existing territories and those local governments in states whose existence antedated statehood). Counties and municipalities can usually raise local revenue in the form of bond issues and property taxes, but they also depend on state and federal budget allocations and grants.

National Association of Counties (NACO) is the association representing the cross-cutting interests of county governments across the United States.

U.S. Conference of Mayors is the national association of elected chief executives of municipalities of all sizes.

Local School Boards

Local school districts are governed by Boards of Education comprised of elected citizens who serve for fixed terms and may usually stand for re-election. Budgets received from state sources are often allocated on a formula based on the size of the district's pupil enrollment and the size of the local share of the state tax base. Property tax revenues have historically been a major source of local district funding. The power wielded by local districts and boards varies according to state laws. Most local boards have direct hiring authority for school personnel, allocating income, setting operational policies, approving new projects, and entering into partnerships and business arrangements. Curriculum and academic standards authority are usually influenced by state policy to a greater or lesser extent. The National School Boards Association (NSBA) is the organization representing the nation's local school districts. It provides extensive information on current issues, resources, and links to local districts that have Web sites.

School District Data Book Home Page (SDDB) is a national cooperative database on the characteristics of American local school districts.

Districts Sharing Common Interests

ERIC Clearinghouse on Rural Education and Small Schools provides comprehensive information and reference services on the education issues facing rural and isolated localities with small and scattered school-age populations and limited economic resources.

ERIC Clearinghouse on Urban Education provides comprehensive information and reference services on the education issues facing inner city and metropolitan localities with diverse populations.

National Rural Education Association (NREA) is an association promoting relations among rural area schools and school districts.