Additional stake holder input

Week 2, Part 5 – Additional Stakeholder Input in the Budgeting Process

I interviewed our school superintendent, Dr. Ray Lea, on the topic of additional stakeholder input in the Budgeting Process. He stressed the key was to communicate, communicate and communicate with all stake holders during the budgeting process. His responses to the following groups are highlighted below:

·         Central Office – Start discussing in January. Have Central Office really look at and evaluate their departments.

·         Principals – Start discussing budget allotments in early spring. Campus needs assessment.

·         Site Based Decision Making Committees/ District Improvement Committee – Discuss and adopt district and campus improvement plans. Meet regularly to review and evaluate.

·         Teacher Organizations – He holds a yearly informal type meeting with ATPE officers to get their input and feedback, time to meet and listen to their issues and concerns.

·         Key Stakeholders – Dr. Lea made reference to school groups, PTO’s, Booster Clubs, Civic groups, Retired teachers association and local newspaper. Again he stressed communicating with these groups.

·         Board – OVER COMMUNICATE, start communicating early, no surprises, want them to always be prepared for worse case scenarios when discussing budget issues (this year perfect example)

As I reflect over my interview the key issue was being sure to communicate (good news or bad) with all groups when discussing budget and budget concerns. Be up front at all times and do not hide anything