TEA Budgeting guidelines

After reviewing the information I tried to put it in the context of my district to think how we operate now.  From this I would say that our CFO creates a line item budget to the board for approval after seeking input from the district level directors.  Although this works in a small district I definitely see how a larger district would definitely consider a site based budget process.  The next thing I learned is that there is a requirement for a public budget meeting as well as an evaluation of spending regarding the budget.  The evaluation piece I would like to investigate further to learn how budgets and expenses are evaluated so I can make good decisions as a Superintendent.  Next, I read that a district is required to maintain their budget summary on their website for three years from adoption which I believe helps with transparency a much needed thing in education right now as our budgets become heavily criticized in the media.  The final two things that stuck out with me were that a district can have a .04 base tax rate increase without an election and that there is aid and existing debt.  All these things will help improve my knowledge of the budget process to be a financially responsible educational leader. 

Armed with this information I have begun formulating ideas in my brain on how I will handle budgets in the future.  First, of all I would like to use a site-based approach to the budget with a small number of trusted individuals.  There is strength in collaboration and differing perspectives.  I think we owe it to our students to have their needs at the center of our spending plan and the way you do that is to have representation.  Secondly, I want to have a CFO I can trust to work on the budget with and ensure we are making decisions in line with the law.  In addition, I want to build a positive relationship with the board so that we can have meaningful discussions regarding district goals and the budget needed to support those goals.  I believe one of my strengths is that I am a big picture person and I can consider short term resources while having a long term plan which was mentioned in the guidelines.  Finally, I want to know we have an evaluation piece in place that is frank and honest about what we are doing.  I want to do what is right by people and what is best for kids and that requires that we evaluate ourselves and our decisions critically and on a regular basis.  Although I have a lot to learn I believe I have the characteristics and desire to perform the job well that will help me become a financially responsible Superintendent.