The Mystery in School Finances

Discovering Answers in Community-Based Budgeting

By (author) Matthew Malinowski

Publication date:

21 May 2014

Length of book:

112 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781475809879

There are critical roles in the budget process for the Superintendent, Finance Officer, and internal and external stakeholders. The superintendent functions similar to a Chief Executive Officer; they are the main go-between for the board of directors and the district. Providing a vision for the school district as a whole is critical, as well as working to ensure community engagement provides a comprehensive 360-degree perspective – which in turn drives the budget process to ensure it reflects the community served.

School budgets, regardless of geography, follow state procedures for both development and final approval. These perfunctory tasks include putting a budget on display for viewing – receipt of public comment and a vote. What this book seeks to provide are ideas for incorporating ongoing community discussion and dialogue on the budget process. This book additionally provides insight and information unto the budget process that drives all school decisions.

Chapter 1: Community-based budgeting
Chapter 2: Historical School Budgets
Chapter 3: Balancing Needs, Wants and Desires
Chapter 4: Budgets as a Financial Document
Chapter 5: Budgets as an Operational Document
Chapter 6: Budgets as a Policy Document
Chapter 7: Public Perception and Expectations
Chapter 8: Identify Your Community
Chapter 9: Various Forms of Community Based Budgeting
Chapter 10: Integration of Community based budgeting
Chapter 11: What works and what does not work?
Chapter 12: Resiliency
Chapter 13: Celebrate Success
Chapter 14: Take-A-Way

Public engagement is the currency of smart school business management. Malinowski provides a practical roadmap for guiding your district to solid fiscal standing in the worst of times.