To counteract the declining numbers of school business administrators and to fill a void in current programs of educational administration across the state and the nation, the State University of New York at Brockport Department of Educational Administration is implementing a new school business administration program (SBA Program) in September…

This chapter of "Principles of School Business Management" reviews the functions, procedures, and reports with which school business officials must be familiar in order to interpret and make decisions regarding the school district's financial position. Among the accounting functions discussed are financial management, internal auditing,…

The proper combination of computer hardware and software with database subscription services make online information retrieval available to enhance decision making in virtually all aspects of school administration. (MLF)

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)

Argues that well-management college endowments and reserves can appreciate beyond inflation and serve as a source of increased resources. Looks at the ground rules of investment management in terms of stating investment objectives, investment restrictions, appropriate asset mix, and investment services. (AYC)

The use of the management team approach by school business officials will result in increased operational efficiency, greater accountability, better decisions, less crisis management, reduced stress, and increased job satisfaction. (MLF)

Suggests some solutions to administrators' cluttered desk problems and offers guidelines for a planning and organizing system. (MLF)

Current knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board standards will assist the school business official in maintaining the books of account, preparing budgets and financial reports, and explaining the annual financial report to the school board and the public. (MLF)

Sequential and retrievable records combined with listed internal control techniques are the basics of accounting. (MLF)

The Association of School Business Officials International is establishing the Meritorious Budget Award Program to critique school district budgets. Recently several school districts agreed to apply the criteria from the program to their budgets. The experiences of two Pennsylvania districts are reported: Mt. Lebanon School District, Pittsburgh…

Certification standards for the chief school business administrator exist in 17 states and 1 province. A figure provides basic information about certification. Lists state and provincial certification offices, and argues in support of the certification process as a gatekeeper to the profession. (MLF)

Outlines several major areas involved in issuing bonds to finance school buildings and other projects. Basic financing structures include general obligation bonds, lease revenue bonds, and tax anticipation notes. Explains competitive or negotiated sale process and the roles of financial advisor, underwriter, and bond counsel. (MLF)

School-based management is rapidly becoming the centerpiece of the current school reform movement. Discusses the new roles of the school business official. (21 references) (MLF)