Reflection of Supt interview - budget process

Reflection of Superintendent Interview – budgeting process

I learned a lot during the interview with our school superintendent, Dr. Ray Lea. Our interview lasted about 1 ½ hours. He expanded and we reflected on several items we had discussed or learned about during week 1 and currently during week 2.

It is my opinion that he is very knowledgeable on school finance. During the interview, Dr. Lea shared with me that in his opinion there are two tracks toward being a superintendent, especially in regards to school finance. One track is starting in smaller school districts (no assistants) and working your way up. One learns on the job by having to know the role and duties of all aspects: finance, transportation, personnel, food service, technology, etc. The other track is working in larger districts and gaining information from assistant superintendents/directors. Dr. Lea’s background comes from smaller districts. He shared several stories about being worried about preparing the budget and meeting budget deadlines early in his career.

I learned a lot from Dr. Lea in regards to calculating revenue. He shared and we even worked through the formula of: total property values x 1.4 (max M&O) = X , take X x 95% (never collect 100% of taxes) = Y which is local tax revenue. This lead to a discussion of WADA and targeted revenue. He also explained and showed me how to calculate amount needed to set I&S.

I was able to learn more and realize the importance of having a calendar to highlights key points and events during the budgeting process. Some of our conversation focused on the drastic state cutbacks and the strategies our district used trying to compensate for the reduction. Dr. Lea explained he started communicating with the board, staff and community a 1 ½ prior to legislative session in an effort to prepare them for what was coming. Our district implemented a hiring freeze and absorbed positions through attrition. The key of this discussion was communication and planning.

Overall I learned a lot from the interview. In one way it was a little discomforting to know I will be responsible for this process at some point. However, Dr. Lea reassured me that the state template is pretty easy to use and there are several resources as well as colleagues who will assist me through the process.