Decisions about who gets what, when and how are driven by economic constraints and individuals who dominate policy agendas. As policymakers at the state and federal levels continue to debate budgetary priories, funding education becomes secondary. The complexities of political systems become apparent when decision makers attempt to balance political and public values. Budgetary constraints often constrain one's ability to deliver quality services to our students. Adequate financing of education at the state and federal levels is necessary in providing needed resources to support K-12 and postsecondary education. Colleges and universities are being forced to utilize current resources in more creative ways to increase productivity without sacrificing the quality of education. Demographic shifts and global forces continue to affect the development and implementation of market-driven education policies and practices. The purpose of this paper is to examine the structural problems and policy tensions affecting public school funding.