Defining and describing a goal driven budget

The attainment of a shared vision for the school district and each and every student is at the root of establishing a goal driven budget.  Without a focus on the end result, a budget is not effective.  Each of the departments and campuses which provide services for our students must have a common goal in mind.  Although there are many departments included in a budget they all must have a common direction which provides the end result of a positive educational experience for our students.  The Superintendent must provide the direction in which the district must proceed using the guidance of the board as well as the knowledge of what revenue and fund balance is available to make the budget a viable product.  That shared vision must also extend to the community therefore the District Educational Improvement Committee should have some input in to the process as well.  In essence the idea of a goal driven budget must include a number of stakeholders which should be guided in to a unified  effort to provide our students with the best possible plan for the programs that would be the most effective.

The site based committees established are responsible for the focus in which our budget must be directed.  The input from those carrying out the day to day operations is vital in the development of the goals of student success.  The student success initiative established as a goal of our District Educational Improvement Committee is expected to filter to the campuses and departments which drive the financial resources to be focused on achieving our goals.  Using Title funds to address the additional needs of our students based on our economically disadvantaged campuses is part of the financial plan.  These programs are vital in our district meeting the goals established in our district improvement plan.  One of the areas mentioned in our district’s improvement plan centers on establishing Reading and Math labs in our elementary schools.  This program focuses on the need to pull out certain students who need the extra attention to the areas of their individual improvement.  The Title funds in which we qualify provide the funding for this program which is outlined in our district and campus improvement plans. 

The Board of Trustees also has a stake in the establishment of goals in the district improvement plan because their “version of the vision” should be reflected in the plans established in the overall plan as well as each campus and department.   The board must also take an active role in the process and then become its greatest supporters once established.  They must also be the community’s eyes and ears and provide a feeling of transparency so that we all become good stewards of the taxpayer’s money.