The Educational Research Service's "National Survey of Salaries and Wages" reports the annual salaries and fringe benefits of chief business officials in the categories of "Assistant Superintendent" or "Director of Finance and Business." Data from approximately 1,000 reporting school systems are analyzed and…

School district participation in the Meritorious Budget Awards (MBA) Program makes budgets more understandable and user-friendly. All budget data are presented in a single document in a pyramid approach that begins with a summary of all funds and then presents individual funds. Provides ordering information for a publication that guides readers…

New legislation requiring that continuing health insurance benefits be offered to employees and their families generally apply to all health care benefit plans maintained by school districts. The new regulations are explained. (MLF)

The cost-effective "wellness" health care approach, emphasized by many corporations, will soon be emphasized by school districts. Wellness programs, beneficial for employees, can be launched by utilization of community resources and by knowing employees' health needs. (CJH)

In anticipation of a shortage of qualified, experienced administrators, school districts could (1) evaluate their employee demographics; (2) review benefits provided to administrators and consider developing a new package of benefits; (3) ask administrators to identify previously undefined benefits; and (4) identify and provide a career track for…

Chief school business officials are retiring at an unprecedented rate. Board members should analyze the reasons why a business manager left and correct any circumstances that hampered job performance. Lists skills and salary range for the position. (MLF)

Numerous studies have reported the deteriorating conditions in school buildings. One of the primary causes of this national problem is lack of proper maintenance of school facilities. Outlines a comprehensive assessment and planning process to provide a district with a road map for making decisions about facility improvement. (MLF)

This handbook is an updated edition provided by the Illinois State Board of Education for school district treasurers. Its intent is to assist Class I county treasurers in performing their duties efficiently and effectively. The handbook is divided into four sections, the first of which outlines custodial role, eligiblity, term of office, salary,…

Today, school districts cannot meet the challenges of an increasingly demanding and diverse clientele without an efficient and effective business and financial framework within which to operate. Well-prepared and dedicated school business officials, working in tandem with other members of the administrative team, can better assure that such a…

This article argues that hiring a business manager makes good fiscal sense in many school districts if it frees the superintendent to focus on important educational tasks. (TE)

Survey responses from 246 two- and four-year colleges and universities throughout the country provide a database about 7 administrative positions. Responses are grouped by five student enrollment ranges, with full-time teachers as a comparison point, in the areas of base salaries, bonuses, benefits, and prequisites. (MLF)

An examination of statutes and case law reveals that in most states the employment of architects and engineers by public school districts is exempt from competitive bidding procedures. (MLF)

School board members can increase their knowledge of the budget process by the following actions: (1) meet with the school business official; (2) assemble school statistics; (3) evaluate each potential cut in its own right; (4) investigate new funding sources; (5) establish a budget adoption calendar; and (6) expect periodic reports from…

With many impending retirements of school business officials, school districts and universities should collaborate in assuring smooth transitions in the nation's school business offices. Forward planning includes offering internships in the school business office and extensive cross-training for presently employed specialists. (MLF)

An Educational Risk Management Plan (ERMP) should be incorporated throughout every school district. Discusses property and liability insurance classifications and features of a good ERMP. (12 references) (MLF)