Superintendent's Interview

Since we were dismissed from school this week, my Superintendent was unavailable to interview. I have learned that by law, the superintendent is responsible for preparing the budget. My superintendent has worked in the same capacity in districts of varying sizes. With this said, the size, demographics, and the student needs, vary from district to district.


After the Board of Trustees develop the district’s goals, the superintendent is then responsible for preparation of the budget. If the Superintendent has the full support of the Board for each goal, it is easier to prioritize. First and foremost on the list of priorities is addressing students’ needs.


Although the Board does not prepare the budget the Superintendent must work collaboratively with them to develop the budget. Because the Board represents the community as well, they must have full buy-in to every aspect of the budget. In the end, they are responsible for approving and adopting the final budget.


The Superintendent not only focuses on revenues and expenditures, he/she must also pay attention to the fund balance. Every superintendent works extremely hard so that he/she won’t have to use any of the district’s rainy day fund.


The Superintendent has to also make sure that the district uses the public funds conservatively. The Superintendent is certain to make enemies when public funds are expended on what the public views as unnecessary items. This is also important when the district wants the public to consider the passage of a bond. Even when items of importance are included, if the public feels that the district has been wasteful in the past, they are more than likely not to approve a bond. The Superintendent has to remember that he/she and the Board are custodians of the taxpayers’ tax dollars. Finally, the district’s spending should be tailored to the attainment of district’s goals.




Reflection:


I had never taken the time to examine all of the factors that a Superintendent must consider in developing a goal driven budget. Although he is responsible for preparing the budget, he must give the opinions and views of others strong consideration. He/she must listen to all key community constituents. I was aware of all the timelines and dates, but I didn’t realize their importance. Some of the dates are legal timelines that must be adhered to. Just because the Board is not responsible for preparing the budget, their establishment of the district’s goals is the main source for the development of a comprehensive goal driven budget. The goals set the foundation for which the budget must be built.