EDLD 5342 School Finance Week 2, Part 4 & 5 - Superintendent’s Roles and Responsibilities in the Budgeting Process

In my interview with Dr. Steve Johnson, HISD Superintendent, he reiterated that the most important part of the entire goal driven budget process is communication (Interview, Dr. Steve Johnson, HISD Superintendent, April 19, 2011, 1:30 P.M.).  His thoughts and examples aligned with the statement Dr. Jenkins made in the Week 2 lecture that just as location was the primary focus of real estate, communication is the identifying characteristic when communicating the budget to district stakeholders (EDLD 5342, Week 2 Lecture video, 7:40 – 7:47).  Dr. Johnson has only been superintendent in HISD since the beginning of January.  First as the interim and then as the superintendent.  In this time he has worked diligently to develop the budget goals for the 2011 – 2012 school year as mandated by the current budget shortfall.

 

Dr. Johnson also discussed the role of the superintendent in working with the Board of Trustees.  He talked about the importance of the Board of Trustees in the communication process.  The Board has its finger on the pulse of the community and is often aware of current information that is valuable to the development of a valid budget.  They must function as a team of eight and this is best accomplished when the team knows their goals and knows their roles.

In my interview and the budget meetings that I have attended, I have been very impressed with Dr. Johnson’s communication style.  He is calm, relaxed and confident.  He works very hard to prepare power point explanations that insure that he communicates a consistent message to the groups he works with.  He also worked with the HISD principals to prepare one consistent message and power point to use when principals communicated the shortfall plan to their individual campuses. When he speaks to a group there is no doubt that he is informed and in charge.

Dr. Johnson has sought input from all of the individual groups as he has worked to plan for the 2011-2012 budget. 

Central Office Administrators and Staff – provide the “big picture” overview and alignment of district processes, goals and initiatives.  They provide valuable information in the allocation of district funds from transporation to food services to maintenance to curriculum and instruction.

Principals – provide the input for the reason schools exist – students.  It is where the most people and programs are affected by the budget process.  They provide input for the curriculum, staff development, supplies and personnel.

Site-based Decision Making Committees – responsible for providing input at the campus level regarding needs assessment and allocation of resources for those needs.

District Improvement Committee – responsible for providing input and asking questions during the planning phase and must approve the final District Improvement Plan which is the framework for the district expenditures.

Teacher Organizations – are not involved in the budget planning process in Huntsville except as their members are members of the various planning groups.

Key Stakeholders – in addition to the members of HISD mentioned previously, key stakeholders include students (we have a student advisory council), parents and family members, business members, community leaders, representatives of the local institute of higher education (Sam Houston State University and Lonestar College), representatives from Texas Department of Criminal Justice (the only state agency housed outside of Austin is headquartered in Huntsville), local private school representatives and community religious leaders are all invited to public meetings to provide input and support communication throughout the district. Representatives also serve on district and campus planning committees.

Board of Trustees – vital to the establishment of the goals and vision that the budget is built to support.