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Effects of the Revenue Caps
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Perceptions About the Long-Term Effects of The Revenue Caps
In 1994, 90% of superintendents said that the long-term consequences of the revenue caps would be negative for their district’s programs and services. Answers to a similarly-worded question in the current study showed somewhat less pessimism.
Among all superintendents who answered the question, 41 persons (13.5%) reported that the effects have been “Positive” or “Somewhat Positive.” A significant proportion (29.5%) answered “Neutral,” while the remainder (57%) gave negative responses. Many, however, indicated in their written comments that they expect conditions to become more difficult during the next few years.
There are differences among responses related to changes in student enrollment. Among districts with declining enrollments, only 3.8% of superintendents answered “Positive” or “Somewhat Positive.” In comparison, superintendents with increasing enrollments were three to four times as likely to respond in a positive way.
There were 39 superintendents who explained why the revenue caps have had a “positive” effect on their district. The explanations are wide-ranging, although many refer to fewer problems related to bargaining and improved relations with the community. Conversely, 153 superintendents stated why they believe the long-term consequences of the revenue caps will be negative.
| Table 5
Responses of Superintendents to the Question, “What has been the long-term effect of the revenue caps on your district’s programs and services over the past four years?” |
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| Change in Enrollment:1993-94 - 1995-96 | ||||
| All* | Decline in Enrl | Up to 2.99% Inc. | Inc.3% or more | |
| Positive | 11(03.6%) | 0(00.0%) | 10(05.2%) | 1(01.8%) |
| Somewhat Positive | 30(09.9%) | 2(03.8%) | 22(11.3%) | 6(10.9%) |
| Neutral | 89(29.5%) | 7(13.2%) | 61(31.4%) | 21(38.2%) |
| Somewhat Negative | 98(32.5%) | 23(43.4%) | 54(29.2%) | 17(30.9%) |
| Negative | 74(24.5%) | 21(39.6%) | 42(22.1%) | 10(18.2%) |
| 302(100.0%) | 53(100.0%) | 189(99.9%) | 55(100.0%) | |
*Five superintendents did not answer the question about long-term effects of the revenue caps.
| Table 6
“Have the actions taken by your district in response to the revenue caps affected the morale of district employees (administrators, teachers, and support staff)?” |
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| All | Decline in Enrollment | Up to 2.99 Inc. in Enrollment | Inc. of 3% or more in Enrollment | |
| Yes | 200(73.5%) | 39(76.5%) | 123(72.8%) | 39(76.5%) |
| No | 72(26.5%) | 12(23.5%) | 46(27.2%) | 12(23.5%) |
Posted February 4, 1998
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