Public school systems are not noted for providing student education at minimum cost. Can private-sector financial management techniques be applied readily to running a school system?

Please note that there are at least two sources of school department expense -- administration and programmatic. The programmatic aspects include instructional technology (e.g., on-line instruction) and which programs are offered.

Have the political battles of recent years informed on this question? If so, how?

Obviously, this issue has an ongoing political relevance -- let's see if we can discuss it logically and with evidence.