"The top end can sponsor the bottom end, and by paying this people could make a difference to millions, " he said.

CNN: Nanotech and 'tea bag' to clean up drinking water

The fact that so few have acted on their own is perhaps an indication of how permissive accounting rules can cause a race to the bottom that, in the end, can lead to scandal or an atmosphere that permits scandal.

FORBES: Coke Opts For More Honest Accounts

So that puts the bottom at -- I can do that math quicker than I can the other -- 15, 000 for the bottom end of that.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

That can cause significant impact to end users, and be a costly mistake to the bottom line.

FORBES: The Financial Services Sector Looks To The Cloud

If you can do that you end up with more highly engaged customers, more sales, and a better bottom line.

FORBES: Martha Stewart Posts 'For Sale' Sign

Maybe, in the end, there is nothing that these small public schools can do but accept their lot at the bottom of the high school food chain.

FORBES: Ohio Could Excommunicate Catholic, Other Private High Schools From Public-School Competition