California's system of school finance is highly regulated and prescriptive. A large share of state funding is allocated through categorical programs, that is, programs whose funding is contingent upon districts using the money in a particular way or for a particular purpose. In 2008-09, the strings were taken off 40 of those programs, collectively…

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), once students with disabilities receive educational placements, school officials cannot unilaterally change their settings. When officials wish to change the placements of students with disabilities for any reason, they must not only notify their parents of their intent to do so…

All private colleges and universities make strategic capital investments and consider the use of debt to fund those investments. From the commonplace purchase of photocopiers to the construction of new academic buildings or dormitories, investment decisions that yield long-term financial benefits must follow on the heels of careful analysis. To…

There are no quick fixes to any problems that school systems face. The best solution lies in building a common approach to solving problems utilizing an established procedure; an interactive process; and a trained team of administrators, teachers, and nonteaching staff members. (MLF)

Self-insurance pooling programs are emerging among school districts due to the insurance market crisis. School business managers, therefore, have been attempting to avoid hostile carriers by adopting such programs. (CJH)

Under new "managed health care systems," the classical functional separation of risk taker, claims payor, and provider are vertically integrated into a common entity. This evolution should produce a competitive environment with medical care rendered to all Americans on a more cost-effective basis. (CJH)

An alternative to school district protection during the current insurance crisis is self-insurance consolidation, which can eventually reduce premiums and enable needed tort reform. (CJH)

Only with careful planning can school business managers develop fixed asset information and good recordkeeping. Use of a simple inventory system and discussion with school districts already utilizing this system will assist planning. (CJH)

As many court cases demonstrate, insuring against punitive damages is a complex issue facing school districts. Districts should secure competent legal counsel when purchasing liability insurance that specifically covers all potential punitive awards. (12 citations) (CJH)

School business officials can assist boards of education in negotiating with unions by gathering and analyzing data that show the real costs of proposals. (MLF)

Presents some of the findings of a recent study that addressed the issue of finding and keeping chief school business officials. Questionnaires sent to 1,057 members of the Association of School Business Officials International elicited responses from 552 persons (52.2%). Discusses salary and benefits packages and incentives to stay. Three figures…

The Insurance Service Office's extensive revisions of its commercial general liability policy, including the "claims made" coverage, have been approved in most states. Before accepting a policy in today's insurance market, purchasers should be aware that defense costs can create problems during settlement negotiations. (CJH)

Outlines lobbying techniques for use by school business officials in successful acquisition of needed computer equipment and software packages by school districts. (MD)

Written policies and administrative procedures in the school business office are necessary so transition and change will go smoothly. Provides a sample from the policy department of the Illinois Association of School Boards. (MLF)

Five comparative data traps repeatedly come up during school negotiation sessions: (1) average salary comparisons; (2) vague salary comparisons; (3) low master's guide; (4) considering salary only; and (5) comparing benefits. Provides examples and outlines a defense against these data traps. (MLF)