Since 1990, the School Finance team at the Center for Evaluation and Education Policy has provided research and analytical support to the state of Indiana with regard to school funding for primary and secondary public education. Through a series of biennial grants from the state entitled “Extending Indiana’s Capacity for School Finance Analysis,” the School Finance team at CEEP has been able to assist the Department of Education and the Indiana legislature in examining the state’s school funding formula and the impacts of proposed changes in the funding formula, and make recommendations for changes to meet specific goals and objectives.

The School Finance team is directed by Robert K. Toutkoushian, Associate Professor in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Indiana University. Dr. Toutkoushian teaches courses on school finance and budgeting at Indiana University and conducts research on a range of school finance issues. Robert S. Michael, PhD, is a statistician who provides technical and analytical assistance on all projects related to school finance. Other staff members at CEEP have contributed to the activities of the School Finance team as needed, including Jonathan Plucker, Director of CEEP, and Terry Spradlin, Associate Director of CEEP.

The School Finance team work can be divided into several areas. First, the team meets monthly with representatives from the four legislative caucuses, the Indiana Department of Education, and the Legislative Services Agency to discuss emerging topics in school funding in Indiana. Second, the School Finance team produces an annual report for the state that examines the impacts of the school funding formula on the level and distribution of funding across school corporations, and the achievement of equity in school funding. Third, the School Finance team conducts supplemental studies upon request on issues pertaining to school finance. Finally, the School Finance team engages in cutting-edge research on important topics in school finance and regularly presents these findings at national and regional meetings.