School Budget Analysis

The first step in responsible financial planning is to develop and implement a budget. Simply put, following a budget allows for a better understanding of available funds, and where such funds are being spent. One of the biggest obstacles that faces the field of education today is funding and resources. While it is the goal of every school to provide a high-quality, and equitable education for all students, securing the resources, and allocating them appropriately presents a completely different challenge. According to Brimley, Jr., Verstegen, and Garfield, 2012: A budget is a financial plan that involves at least four elements: (1) planning, (2) receiving funds, (3) spending funds, and (4) evaluating results - all performed within the limits of a predetermined time. Thus budgeting consists of defining priorities and needs, and receiving and spending funds over a …show more content…
In every setting, there are particular staff members that take on job duties for the daily operations of their schools. Everyone employed by a school is affected in some way or another by the budget. There are two members of every school staff that are very important to the budgeting process, and at the same time present very different perspectives of how a the budget affects their job, and the overall function of the school. A business manager is responsible for the fiscal progress of the district, or school regarding the funds that are available, and how those funds will be spent, and by whom. A facilities manager is accountable to the school administration, faculty, and the students for maintaining a clean, and operable school. By taking a closer look at each of those particular responsibilities, it should be easier to develop a better understanding about the process of resource allocation in