EDLD+5342-Week+2

The top five list of events and dates in the development of a district budget include: Why?—This step is critical in order to begin immediately planning for the next fiscal budget. In September, the current year’s budget would have just been approved in August, which would necessitate planning for the following year. The development of a calendar will begin the organizational process. Why?—In order for the district budget expenditures to be estimated, extensive time should be spent determining all estimated revenues. Revenue sources should include state funding, local property tax funding, federal funding (Title funds), grant funding, and private source funding (foundations and businesses). Why?—Campuses, district coordinators and directors, and central office budget managers should begin developing a “needs based” budget beginning as early as February for the upcoming school year. Specifically, after a “needs assessment” is conducted, budget expenditures should be itemized in order to be included in the district budget. For instance, since staffing needs generally comprise approximately 80% of the budget, staffing calculations must be done very early to estimate personnel costs. Why?—Each level of budget management from the campus to central office will submit a proposed budget to the district financial officer. Those budgets must then be complied into one district budget that must be completed by August 20th. Why?—Legal requirements mandate that the district budget by board approved by August 20th of each year (June 19th for districts that have a July 1st fiscal year start date). Acquiring board approval is the most critical component and should be proceeded by several board workshops and trainings to collaborate with board members on the development of the district budget.
 * 1) Submitting a budget development calendar for board approval (September).
 * 1) Estimating revenue sources (May)
 * 1) Determining expected expenditures and operating costs (February-May)
 * 1) Preparation of the district budget (April-May)
 * 1) Board approval and adoption of the district budget (August)

__Reflection: __ After reviewing the “TASBO Budget Development” power point and the sample budget development calendar, it is obvious that the development of the district budget is an on-going process. The legal requirements that were covered in the TASBO handout were helpful in understanding the dates that were included in the budget development calendar. It also was apparent that each step in the budget process is critical. For instance, districts must analyze revenue and expenditures in order to determine their per student expenditures. As administrators we often have to work in the current year while simultaneously planning the upcoming year. Budget development is no different. The current budget must be maintained while projections and planning is being done for the future.

Hi, Christie: Isn't it amazing how much focus the budget takes for a superintendent? It is truly nonstop. I believe you nailed it when you said "we often have to work in the current year while simultaneously plan for the upcoming year." I guess that's why it's important to have great support!.