Reflection Part 5

     When speaking to the Chief Business Officer, I realized the budget requires everyone’s input.  The responsibilities spiral down and focus on the students.  At the central office level, administrators and staff, data and actual budget is based on what the superintendent wants to accomplish.  This school year, the principals provided the superintendent with information that would help him to determine what cuts needed to be made.  The focus went from macro management to micro management.  Site based decision making committees gave the principal information that would help with that decision.  Teacher organizations always want more for teachers.  They usually present their case to the principal and superintendent.  Key stakeholders are the teachers, administrators, principals, teacher, parents, and taxpayers.  They are the main influence in the budget process.  For example, they may voice their opinion to not increase taxes.  Lastly, the board of trustees adopts the budget. 

Reflection Part 4

The district’s budget preparation and submittal to the board of the approval is the sole responsibility of the superintendent. It is there budget and they have the ultimate say as to what does and doesn’t go into the budget.

According to the Chief Business Officer, Robert Zingelmann, Dr. Thomas brings the budget before the board. The board passes the budget. The superintendent also sets the goals and
parameters that the district is trying to achieve. He then gives Zingelmann directions that he
wants to go in the next fiscal year, and Zingelmann researchers and sees if it’s
feasible. After the research is presented to Dr. Thomas, he brings it before the board for approval.

I didn’t realize that the Superintendent played such a major role in the budget process. I was also shocked to learn that he did not have the last say in the process. The Superintendent must be conscious of the budget and the needs of the community. The budget and budgeting process allows us to use available resources for students while remaining within guidelines.