It is with increasing anxiety that I learn more about budgeting and school finance. This is an entirely new world to me and one that I am finding daunting. I have learned numerous concepts that will eventually allow me to develop and/or contribute to the development of a district budget.
Everything that I’ve read and through conversations with central office personnel, the budgeting process requires comprehensive planning by a wide group of people. One must not only look forward to the next year’s budget but must also look back to see if the previous year’s budget had been successful.
I found the different types of budgets very interesting. I have used the zero base budget in athletic budgets and now as a campus principal. It has proven to be more effective in getting the most “bang for the buck” as opposed to the line item budget in which money is generally allocated based on historical use, not necessarily what is actually needed.
The very exacting projections needed to complete a workable budget will encourage me to include as many people as possible in the process and will ensure that I have a very competent business manager on staff.
I feel that surrounding myself with talented people, collaborating with all appropriate people, and keeping some basic financial rules in mind will allow me to prepare a budget that will meet the needs of the students and community.
Stephen,
ReplyDeleteit is interesting how we agree on the zero base budgeting. I think as a new super, it would be vital to identification of concerns in the budgeting process and in the end I think it could save significant dollars. We use the line item method and I think we have fallen victim to the status quo effect.