You Can Buy Anything... Just Not EVERYTHING!

I met with my site principal to discuss our budget/funding system.  First, he shared the “Blue Streak” Budget report that outlines annual allocations from site, categorical, and other accounts.  Principals meet with the special project director and chief business officer twice a year to discuss site allocations. The first meeting is in August after the “Con-App” (Consolidated Application for Funding Categorical Aid Programs) is completed. Title I funds are distributed by the district office based upon the percentage of low socioeconomic (SES) students. Out of 19 schools, my site was ranked #13 (69% low SES) and received $37,672 this year in Title I funds.

Once funds are allocated, principals can begin to budget and spend categorical and site funds as needed to support student achievement. Each funding source and account has a specific purpose and there are restrictions and guidelines that must be followed. Careful budgeting must also be done at each site to make sure expenditures align with the school’s Single Plan for Student Achievement. Sometimes my principal uses “split-funding” to purchase items as needed. He also prefers to use the site budget when possible because he explained that the purchase order system (P.O.) can be a lengthy process when you have to get pre-approval and fill out the necessary paperwork. He discussed the protocol and paperwork for purchase orders, including the funding codes from the “blue streak.” He also showed me the list of object codes for purchasing.

We talked about the ASB account and the unrestricted Campus Club fund that he uses to supplement the site budget throughout the year. He also stressed the importance of the School Site Council (SSC) and the Single Plan for Student Achievement. The principal ultimately makes the final decisions regarding expenditures each year, but maintains a list of goals and priorities for annual funds. Improving technology is on the top of our list this year. He also works closely with the PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) to plan fundraisers to help raise money for needed items each year, such as replacing old uniforms for athletics or purchasing new books for the library.

After attending the workshop on budgeting and discussing site funds and allocations with my principal, I feel like I have a better understanding of the way money flows in and out of elementary schools.  Every penny matters and must be accounted for.  Finance and budgeting is another important responsibility of educational administrators at all levels.