Wk+2+Budget+Development+Events


 * Top five list of budget development events **


 * 1) **Preparation of budget calendar- ** Well developed timelines will both ensure that adequate time is allotted for campus and program budgets to be developed, and will ensure that TEA date guidelines are followed.
 * 2) **Estimating district revenue from state aid, federal aid, property tax revenue, and funding from private sources- ** America should take note. “If you ain’t got it, don’t spend it.” I am quite certain that developing a school budget is far more difficult than balancing the one at your home. With that being said, districts have access to years of historical data to work from. Our business departments are well aware of anticipated property values. They have an understanding of WADA, ADA, and the factors that affect both. And they also are keenly aware of the percentage of tax revenue that is collected both timely, and late. Through it all they can make an amazingly educated assessment as to what resources will be available.
 * 3) **Estimating expected district and campus expenditures- **Many expenditures are reasonably static from year to year. Such is the case with salary, which generally comprises the lion’s share of school budgets. Other expenses fluctuate more due to supply/demand issues. A classic example of this is energy. Our transportation budget was in the red by spring break two years ago due to a combination of both unprecedented extra-curricular success, and sky-rocketing fuel prices. With thorough research and anticipation of the possibility of fluctuations, an appropriate estimation should be reached.
 * 4) **Reviewing and approving the budget- **With only a few exceptions, I believe there is little that can get a superintendent run off faster than the mismanagement of money. I believe it is imperative that you not only play a role in both the development and review of the budget, but that you have a unique understanding of it as well. As superintendent you will probably be held responsible if the budget doesn’t work, or is not sound.
 * 5) **Monitoring the budget- **I believe constant monitoring of functions is a necessity in order to ensure that appropriate (neither deficient nor excessive) funding is available as the fiscal comes to an end. Although districts have to pull from fund balances from time to time, this is almost assuredly frowned upon if it is result of poor financial planning.

The above is posted on my Wiki site. Consensus will be reached within our group and posted. Due to holiday time constraints and lack of connectivity where I am heading, please accept my responses temporarily.

Additionally, this information is posted on the faculty discussion blog.