Private Support of Public School Education in Arkansas.

Of the 255 Arkansas school districts responding to a questionnaire, 67 percent received resource support from the private sector. Contributed services were reported by 48 percent of the districts receiving support, monetary contributions by 46 percent, equipment and supplies by 40 percent, and buildings and land by 6 percent. Corporations provided resource support to 35 percent of the districts, service organizations to 45 percent, and private individuals to 46 percent. Significant relationships were found between three district characteristics (size, assets, and tax effort) and some sources and types of support. Superintendents' perceptions of their districts' needs for contributions from the private sector were also related to the receipt of support, but these needs were felt to a greater degree than they were met. (PGD)