THE CHALLENGES OF PUBLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE-FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

This study analyzes the challenges of public school management in elementary education, with particular emphasis on the administrative-financial dimension and its influence on the effectiveness of educational policies. The central research question was: what obstacles and opportunities shape resource management in public schools, and how do they affect the quality of teaching? The main objective was to examine these challenges in light of current educational legislation and specialized literature, identifying limitations and possible alternatives for improvement. To this end, an integrative review of academic and normative production was conducted, articulating debates on public policies, educational financing, and management practices. The results indicate that, although regulatory frameworks and redistributive mechanisms have expanded access and equity, structural inequalities persist, compromising efficiency and fairness in elementary education. The findings highlight that administrative-financial management should be understood as a strategic axis for consolidating the right to education, requiring planning, transparency, and democratic participation. It is concluded that strengthening management practices, combined with consistent investments, is an indispensable condition for reducing disparities and ensuring quality education.