Research for Fiscal Stress

As the price of energy rose dramatically in recent years, school districts suddenly faced unexpected increases in energy bills not accounted for in school budgets. This report examines energy expenditures in Tennessee school districts for 2002/03–2007/08 to see how much energy’s share of district spending rose and whether the increase disproportionately affected districts with certain characteristics. Prepared by Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Appalachia, administered by CNA Education.