Survival in a Down Economy

A Budget Reduction Process for Superintendents

By (author) Davis, E. E. 'Gene', Jack A. Coffland

Publication date:

16 May 2010

Length of book:

184 pages

Publisher

R&L Education

Dimensions:

293x223mm
9x12"

ISBN-13: 9781607097532

Dramatic reductions in the dollars available for public education require a new and systemic approach to balancing school district budgets. This manual provides numerous examples of successful budget reduction strategies based on a six-step process that has demonstrated its effectiveness in small, medium, and large school districts. Supported by bargaining units and community leaders, the process described in this manual can enable the leadership of a district to plan its way through a financial crisis.

Part 1 Foreword
Part 2 Introduction
Chapter 3 Budgeting in Times of Fiscal Crisis
Chapter 4 The Budget Reduction Process: An Overview
Chapter 5 Who Should Use This Process
Part 6 Leadership in a Fiscal Crisis
Chapter 7 Leadership in Times of Financial Crisis
Chapter 8 Communication during Times of Financial Crisis
Chapter 9 Basic Axioms of the Budget Reduction Process
Chapter 10 Guiding Principles for Budget Reduction Recommendations
Part 11 The Details: Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan
Chapter 12 Step 1: Situation Analysis
Chapter 13 Step 2: Establishing Strategic Direction
Chapter 14 Step 3: Idea Generation
Chapter 15 Step 4: Internal Idea Analysis
Chapter 16 Step 5: Staff/Community Evaluation
Chapter 17 Step 6: School Board Involvement
Part 18 The Future
Chapter 19 Leadership after the Financial Crisis

These two authors are eminently qualified to give practical advice to school leaders. The recommendations come from a wealth of experience. I urge you to read these pages carefully and give credence to what the authors are saying. I have learned much from them and continue to marvel at their wisdom. Your time invested will be well rewarded.