Additional Stakeholder Input in the Budgeting Process

Summary

During my interview with the superintendent, we were joined by Ms. Battise, the business manager and continued discussing the preparation of the district budget. Both ladies agreed that involving all stakeholders in the process was absolutely essential. In our district, there are only two central office administrators, the superintendent and the business manager. These two ladies work together very closely on the budget and are constantly offering suggestions or reminders to one another about things to add or cut as they prepare the budget. At the campus level, the PK-12 principal offers suggestions on a variety of campus needs including staffing, staff development, supplies, and facilities. The principal is often included in budget discussions with the superintendent and business manager at different stages of the process. The Site Based Decision Making Committee and the District Improvement Committee are the same in our district due to our small size. Teachers, parents, business and community representatives make up the committee and generally meet several times each year to discuss budget concerns and prepare a list of priorities for the superintendent. The committee offers suggestions and makes requests for staffing, staff development, supplies, and facilities. The primary Teacher Organization in our district is the PTO which meets monthly and frequently discusses needs for the district and individual campuses. The PTO makes budget suggestions and recommendations to the superintendent each year. Key Stakeholders are frequently members of other groups previously mentioned, but there are other people in our district who contribute to budget discussions. Parents and business or community members frequently call or visit the campus or the central office to express concerns. These concerns are discussed and often influence budget decisions. Finally, the Board of Trustees has many opportunities to provide input on budget matters. Board members have several budget workshops each year to work on the budget as it is being prepared. According to the superintendent this is the best way to ensure that the board has plenty of input and has a good understanding of the budget when it comes time to adopt the budget for the year.

Reaction

I think that the input from all the different groups is essential to the budget process. The input from the principals is very important because they are responsible for their campus and understand the needs of their particular campus better than anyone. Any cuts (or additions) in staff or programs will affect the campus greatly and the principal will have to adjust master schedules and make other major decisions based on these budget cuts/additions. Site Based Decision Making Committees also have input that may cause major changes at the campus level. Proposed programs may or may not materialize depending on funding. Teachers and parents have a vested interest in the ideas presented by the committee and are very interested in the final budget decisions made. The PTO also awaits the final budget each year to see if their suggestions and recommendations will be followed. As with the SBDM team, the PTO hopes for a favorable budget that will make their plans possible. Finally, the school board has expectations for each year’s budget. Individual members have programs or activities that they believe are most important and hope to influence the budget to increase or at least maintain funding levels for the ones they feel are most necessary for the success of the district. Overall, each of these individuals or groups provides needed input throughout the budget process and watches carefully as the budget is completed.