Who came up with our education funding?

I just read where school systems are cutting back on bus services to any student living within 2 miles of their school due to budget cuts. The local school systems bear the brunt of the expenses anyway, but now even more so. In today's world, there is no way I would let my kids walk to school. Just the fact that the state can't keep up with where all the sex offenders live is reason enough. What gets me is, when the schools are cutting back on teacher pay and supplies for the daily running of schools, that they are also building multi-million dollar schools. Our local university has jacked any fee possible and added others. Tuition has been increased as it is every year. They are in the process of building a new 120,000 square foot student union complete with ballroom and theatre. They have renovated or replaced 3 residence halls. There has been over $100 million spent within the last 5 years. While this is good for the contractor doing the job, you have to wonder where the money is coming from. Is this part of the new "pay it forward" plan (spend it now, let somebody else figure out how to pay for it later)? Local option sales taxes pay for our public school construction. The taxes can't be used to make up for salary or supply budget cuts. I'll bet the teacher with the reduced paycheck feels pretty good about at least being in a new building!