The 1960's models of Phillium Benedict and Petey Prickly are based on famous icons of the 60's. Petey Prickley is based on George Harrison, and can be recognized from the animated film "Yellow Submarine". Phillium Benedict is based on the character "Captain America" (Peter Fonda's character) in the movie "Easy Rider".
At one point in the movie, Miss Finster yells out "HEY, Teacher! Leave them kids alone!". That is a line from, and a direct reference to, the 1979 hit "Another Brick In The Wall Part 2" by Pink Floyd and later done by KoRn.
Burt Reynolds was originally cast as Benedict but was replaced with James Woods as the producers thought Reynolds' performance was too over-the-top and sinister.
Production on the film began in 1998 and ended in 2000.
When the kids at the music camp are sleeping three beds have names Luciano, Jose, and Placido. These are the first names of the 3 Tenors: Luciano Pavarotti, Jose Carreras, and Placido Domingo.