Our most recent assignment was to meet with our administrator in order to discuss the ever important, and every confusing - the BUDGET! I was able to meet with the principal and my elementary school and we discussed how the budget and funding is dealt with at our school.
At the beginning of our discussion, my principal expressed that I was lucky to be able to talk to someone about this before becoming an administrator. She described her confusion when she was first hired because she had no idea how to balance or control a school budget, in fact never having seen one in use. It was interesting to look what is refferred to as the "Blue Streak Budget Report" (due to there being a large blue streak down the side, indicated the funding that is still available). I was able to see the various funding sources that put money into the site budget, be they federal funds, categorical funds, or grants and donations. It was clear, both from our face-to-face class meeting and this interview, that budgets and funding is not a simple thing, nor one where mistakes can be made.
We discussed how each budget was used and who made the decisions. On the whole, decisions regarding budgets and funding are made based on 2 things: the School Site Plan and need. The money should be spent on efforts to close the achievement gap or improve student achievement, whether that is resources, supplies, programs, or people.
I appreciated getting to sit down and talk to my principal about this important, and sometimes overwhelming, issue. It was beneficial to get her perspective on the process and the in's and out's of daily school budgeting. Though I don't feel prepared to handle one myself just yet, I do feel more comfortable with the thought that one day, I WILL be able to.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Face-to-Face Class Meeting #2 - Reflection of the Weekend
This weekend was our last class meeting of not only the course, but the program itself. It's both exciting and relieving, and I can't wait until this program is complete! Not that I don't enjoy the program, but it is definitely time-consuming.
Our last two class meetings will chock-full of information and experiences that I know will help me become a better, more effective, leader. Friday night was split into two parts: a panel of administrators who specialize in Human Resources and a visit from CADA: California Association of Directors of Activities. The panel of HR administrators was informative and I appreciated how genuine each presenter was. A common theme was that if you had any questions, you shouldn't hesitate to call for advice or guidance. Another trend was that paperwork and documentation is extremely important, but it can also tend to eat up your time. Try to manage your time so that paperwork can be completed while students and teachers aren't around.
The presenters from CADA led many fun activities that were also educational. The activities helped us examine our communication habits and skills. We also learned just how important activities are for students - helping them become connected to the schools. On average students who are involved in co-curricular activities have better attendance and GPAs. They are less likely to become involved in drugs and violence. School activities can and should be encouraged for students in order for them develop life skills and as one person in the group said, "find their niche in this world."
Saturday was full of interesting, but overwhelming (there's that word again...), information regarding school finance and budgeting. It was really educational to hear the background of why school finance is the way it is today. We heard the history regarding some of the things that have impacted school finance the most: Revenue Limits, Prop 13, and Prop 98. It was eye-opening and it gave me a better understanding of the intricacies that go into educational budgets. There weren't as many practical activities as I had anticipated, but it was all useful information.
From this weekend's classes, I definitely feel better prepared for an administrative role. Though, it also seems that the more I learn, the more I find out I have yet to learn. I'm excited for the journey :)
Our last two class meetings will chock-full of information and experiences that I know will help me become a better, more effective, leader. Friday night was split into two parts: a panel of administrators who specialize in Human Resources and a visit from CADA: California Association of Directors of Activities. The panel of HR administrators was informative and I appreciated how genuine each presenter was. A common theme was that if you had any questions, you shouldn't hesitate to call for advice or guidance. Another trend was that paperwork and documentation is extremely important, but it can also tend to eat up your time. Try to manage your time so that paperwork can be completed while students and teachers aren't around.
The presenters from CADA led many fun activities that were also educational. The activities helped us examine our communication habits and skills. We also learned just how important activities are for students - helping them become connected to the schools. On average students who are involved in co-curricular activities have better attendance and GPAs. They are less likely to become involved in drugs and violence. School activities can and should be encouraged for students in order for them develop life skills and as one person in the group said, "find their niche in this world."
Saturday was full of interesting, but overwhelming (there's that word again...), information regarding school finance and budgeting. It was really educational to hear the background of why school finance is the way it is today. We heard the history regarding some of the things that have impacted school finance the most: Revenue Limits, Prop 13, and Prop 98. It was eye-opening and it gave me a better understanding of the intricacies that go into educational budgets. There weren't as many practical activities as I had anticipated, but it was all useful information.
From this weekend's classes, I definitely feel better prepared for an administrative role. Though, it also seems that the more I learn, the more I find out I have yet to learn. I'm excited for the journey :)
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