A Goal Driven Budget

A goal driven budget may be defined as planning and budgeting resources for the express purpose of accomplishing the district’s predetermined goals.  Based on the Week 2 Lecture by Dr. Nicks, the “purpose of a goal driven budget is to assist in the attainment of a shared vision for the school district and each campus.”  If the district begins with the vision and goals, and actively works through the budget process with a focus on these goals, a goal driven budget should be the result.  For example, if the district commits to improving academic progress in the area of science, the budget should reflect that money and resources are being spent in the area of science.  An additional staff member in the science department, additional funds for science lab equipment, or extra funds allocated for staff development in science would all be indicators that the budget is influenced by the district’s goals.  On the other hand, if the budget shows that funds have been decreased in these areas, then the budget is not really being driven by the goals of the district.  If the district has genuinely committed to accomplishing certain goals, the budget should support the goals.  Saying that you are committed to goals and then not financially supporting those goals is hypocritical, to say the least.

Examining the district improvement plan for my district reveals six district goals:

1.       All LISD students will reach high standards in reading/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

2.       All LISD limited English proficient students will reach high standards in reading/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

3.       All LISD students will be taught by highly qualified teachers.

4.       All LISD students will be educated in learning environments that are safe, drug free, and conducive to learning.

5.       All LISD students will graduate from high school.

6.       LISD will provide parents opportunities to participate in school activities.

The plan contains many strategies and activities designed to accomplish these six goals.  Resources are listed that have been allocated for each strategy.  For example, the first two goals are followed by a comprehensive list of programs from the basic curriculum to a wide variety of supplemental programs and materials.  The district has obviously provided the funds for hiring all teachers required to offer the core classes and has also funded the purchase of additional books and materials for tutorials and other extra programs designed to improve academics.  Goal three is supported by the district in paying for teachers to test and add certifications to teach additional subjects.  The district pays for the random drug testing of athletes and the random searches by drug dogs on campus.  These are two examples of how the district supports the goal of providing a safe, drug free environment.  The district funds a computer credit recovery program (A+) to help accomplish the goal of ensuring all students graduate.  Finally, the district provides funds for several parent involvement activities, such as Open House and Elementary Field Day.  These are just some examples of how the district provides funds to accomplish stated goals of the district.

Overall, I believe our district does a good job of funding the people and programs that will help us achieve the district’s goals.  As with most districts, we sometimes debate the priorities and question why some activities are funded more than others, but with limited funds, we do what we can.  For the most part, I do believe our district has a goal driven budget.