Additional Stakeholder Input in the Budgeting Process

Week 2 Assignment 5

Central Office Administrators and Staff

Our Executive Team which includes campus principals meets weekly about the state of the district. Beginning in February the budget becomes a priority during these meetings. They discuss the budget concerns, improvement plans and budget surveys. If necessary, priority lists of budget cuts are developed.  The superintendent updates them on the progress of the budget.

Principals

The superintendent meets with all of the principals two to three times in the spring to discuss the budget process. Principals make suggestions for budget reductions if needed. They also identify the absolutes that cannot be cut. The secondary and elementary assistant superintendents meet with the principals each month and discuss budget concerns as part of their agenda.

Site Based Committees

Members of the Executive Team visit the committees in the spring to discuss the progress of the budget and reductions if necessary, answer any questions and gather input. They can also provide information in regards to current needs of the campus and students.

District Improvement Committee

There are typically two meeting in the spring to make suggestions regarding the budget. If necessary, they will develop a prioritize list for budget reductions. They can provide input from our most valued asset – our employees about issues that may be affecting them.

Teacher Organizations

They can offer input in regards to the budget through online surveys and at community forums. They often provide updated information regarding the legislation and current issues that may affect the budget process.

Key Stakeholders

Two community forums are typically held in the spring to provide an avenue for input as well as online surveys, the district budget reduction Web site, online Q&A, and emails to the board. Our community can provide input by expressing what they value and keeping us informed about current trends/issues that we may not be aware of.

Board of Trustees

The superintendent must work with the board continuously in regards to the budget. The Board should work collaboration with the superintendent to develop the budget process and who is responsible as well as developing the district goals.

The Board receives phone calls, emails and letters concerning the budget from the community they represent. Therefore, it is vital that they are in the know so they can support the process. Budget workshops are held throughout the spring for the Board to provide and gain input. They also utilize surveys to prioritize budget cuts.

The superintendent must be available to all stakeholders and remain transparent about the budget process, issues, and concerns.  He must also keep the district goals as the focus of the budget development. He must trust his chief financial advisor as well as the district systems that are in place for the planning, preparation, and evaluation of the budget. The superintendent must also trust his board and have a very close relationship with them. Our superintendent constantly provides updates to the board and answers all of their questions and/or concerns and values their input.