Week 2, Part 4 -- Superintendent Interview

          Sections 44.002 through 44.006 of the Texas Education Code established the legal basis for budget development in school districts and specified that the superintendent is the budget officer for the district and prepares or causes the budget to be prepared. When interviewed, my district superintendent reiterated this responsibility by saying that he is responsible for the budget, for seeing that it is planned and prepared, and that it is passed by the Board of Trustees by August 31 each year.  He added that it is important keep in mind your vision and goals when preparing a budget. 

          More specifically, my superintendent said that the superintendent’s job regarding budget is to try to involve everyone in the budgeting process; and he stressed everyone.  He gave the following example:  involve your janitorial staff, teachers, principals, directors, etc. He added that a fiscally sound budget is even more of a responsibility on the superintendent in today’s economic times with the pending doom and gloom we have ahead of us.  With our current state of the economy and the proposed state budget shortfall, he stressed that it is more important than ever to involve the various stakeholders and try to find ways to save money.  Those conversations have started in our district.  We are reducing the work force through attrition, asking for input on ways to save money, and brainstorming ways to work smarter with less.

REFLECTION: 

The interview with my superintendent regarding his role in the budgeting process did not unveil any surprises. Bottom line is that the superintendent is responsible for the district’s budget.  I did, however, realize the importance of involving all stakeholders in the budgeting process.  More importantly, I understand the importance of having an ethical, skillful Business Manager on my team!