EDLD 5342 School Finance Week 2 - Part 3 Understanding TEA Budgeting Guidelines

EDLD 5342 School Finance Week 2 Part 3 Understanding TEA Budgeting Guidelines

In reviewing the Texas Education Agency Financial Accountability System Resource Guide, 2. Budgeting Update 14. January 2010, (EDLD 5342, Week 2, Resources) I took into account the TASBO Budget Preparation power point (EDLD 5342, Week 2, Resources) and used it as a guide to look at the larger document.  In the TASBO power point, slide  4 states, “The budgeting process is comprised of three major phases: planning, preparation, and evaluation.”   This helped me focus my thoughts regarding this lengthy, detailed document.

The TEA Budgeting Guidelines provides guidance and information for the planning of a district budget.  Specifically Section 2.11, pages 61 – 76, explains Financial Forecasting and Planning.  Planning is not just limited to the Financial Forecasting and Planning portion of the information.  The document is filled with important guidelines and rules for the planning of a district budget.  It is through the planning process that identification of the goals and needs of the district can be prioritized so that the allocation of resources and funds can be assigned based on need and importance. Including all stakeholders in the planning phase and communicating that information regarding the budget planning is a very important piece of this phase of budget development.  On pages 23 – 33, Section 2.7, this document outlines such roles and responsibilities and provides a budget calendar.

Preparation of a district budget is a very detailed process and this document thoroughly guides in that preparation.  I was interested to learn that there are eight budgetary approaches listed in the budgeting guidelines ( Section 2.4, pages 5 – 10).  I have only experienced working with line-item budgets.  Once the planning phase has been completed, districts can begin to prepare the budget using one of these eight budgetary approaches with emphasis on the alignment of funds with the goals and needs outlined in the budget planning phase.  The TEA Budget Guidelines document included information on the preparation of budgetary expenditures for programs, grants, maintenance, and construction projects. (TEA Budget Guidelines, page 34 – 88).

Lastly, the evaluation of the district budget is essential to accountability and implementation.  The use of the Summary of Finance templates provides an invaluable resource in the budget evaluation process.

I will be able to utilize this information in several ways.  Currently, I will utilize this information as Huntsville ISD continues to work on preparing the district budget as it relates to budget shortfall.  Keeping communication clear, open and immediate is essential in our current situation.  Letting staff know now that their position will not exist in the 2012-2013 school year gives them time to plan and prepare.  I will also use this information in the budget preparation process for Huntsville STEM Academy.  I wrote a start-up grant for the Academy and with funding sources in danger of being cut.  I will need to utilize this information for the revision of the budget for that Academy.  Lastly, as I transition to a new school district in 2011, I will have valuable information that will help me be a contributing member of the team there.