The Effects of Underfunded Legislative Mandates on Fiscal Stability of School Districts

Abstract

This study examines the fiscal stability of Pennsylvania public school districts within the context of underfunded pension and charter school mandates. Results indicate that mandated pension and charter school expenditures are negatively associated with unassigned fund balances during the period 2011-17. Differential effects are identified across years and locale. While pension expenditures have negative effects on fund balances beginning 2012-13, districts located within towns, rural areas, and suburbs experience negative effects related to charter school expenditures. Policy issues include tax-shifting, public financing of education, access to bond financing, as well as institutional sustainability.