Simultaneous pressures to reduce costs and increase student achievement have never been greater than they are today. Not only is cost-cutting essential in this era of tightened resources, argue Hess and Osberg, but eliminating inefficient spending is critical for freeing up resources to drive school reform. This provocative book brings together a dynamic group of authors scholars, consultants, journalists, and entrepreneurs who offer fresh insights into an issue no school or district can afford to ignore.