Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2005

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Robert L. Boyd

Second Advisor

J. Bret Lewis

Third Advisor

Bradley V. Balch

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze Indiana school superintendents' perceptions of the impact of the recent changes in Indiana school funding on local school districts. Indiana school superintendents' perceptions of whether the 2003 Budget Bill (HEA 1001) impacted school district personnel, educational programs, facilities, and transportation differently because of assessed valuation per student and student enrollment were tested. Differences in superintendents' perceptions because of years of superintendents' experience were also tested. The independent variables were defined as: 1) assessed valuation per student, 2) student enrollment, 3) superintendents' years of experience, and 4) Budget Bill HEA 1001. The dependent variables were: 1) personnel, 2) educational programs, 3) facilities, and 4) transportation. Approximately 290 Indiana school superintendents were surveyed for the study and 187 school superintendents participated in the study. The demographics of school corporations were determined from results of the survey. School corporations were distinguished by enrollment size and assessed valuation per student and categorized into one of three levels for each of these independent variables. The levels for the independent variable assessed valuation per student were defined as: 1) less than $150,000, 2) $150,001-$300,000, and 3) $300,001 plus. The levels for the independent variable enrollment size were defined as: 1) less than 1,500 students, 2) 1,500-4,499 students, and 3) 4,500 plus students. A comparative analysis was conducted to investigate differences in superintendents' perceptions of the impact on personnel, educational programs, facilities, and transportation because of assessed valuation per student and enrollment size. iv The independent variable, years of superintendent experience, was also examined. Each superintendent was categorized into one of the three established levels: 1) 1-5 years 2) 6-15 years, and 3) 16 plus years. A statistical comparison was conducted to determine whether there was a significant difference in superintendents' perceptions of the overall impact of the Budget Bill HEA 1001 because of years of superintendent experience. The statistical analysis showed there is no significant main effect of assessed valuation per student and student enrollment on superintendents' perceptions of the 2003 Budget Bill (HEA 1001) impact on district personnel, educational programming, facilities, and transportation. The analysis also showed there is no difference in superintendent's perceptions because of superintendents' years of experience. The study showed that superintendents' perceptions are consistent. Superintendents perceived the 2003 Budget Bill (HEA 1001) to impact district personnel slightly negative, no change to educational programming and transportation, and slightly positive impact on facilities. The Discussion of Findings section interprets the conclusions drawn from the statistical analysis regarding the independent variables of assessed valuation, student enrollment, and superintendents' experience and dependent variables district personnel, educational programming, facilities, transportation, and overall impact.

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