College and university business officers must recognize the nature of current changes in higher education and alter their leadership methods to suit the times. Theories of leadership suggest strategies, behaviors, and abilities that business officers can use to shift from transactional to transformational leadership styles. (MSE)

Presents a view of ethics and morality as they may relate to the field of professional education. Defines ethics (identifiable values of individuals) and morals (identifiable values of social and culture-specific groups) as distinguishable but not separate and mutually exclusive normative theories of human conduct. (MLF)

When a practicing school business official teaches a college course, students can learn much about the real world of schools. Part-time or adjunct teaching at a college or university provides the official with a chance to refresh and extend his or her knowledge in the field. Offers suggestions for getting started, what to expect, and tips for…

This chapter of "Principles of School Business Management" provides an overview of the history, regulation, and administration of school lunch programs and related food services. The historical review discusses factors prompting federal intervention in food programs for school children and cites legislation mandating funding. The chapter then…

To increase the success rate and promote more participation in the Association of School Business Officials' Certificate of Excellence Program, last year's Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFR) submitted by every third successful submitter (N=28) and all unsuccessful submitters (N=23) were examined for deficiencies. (MLF)

The personal computer is a valuable tool for school business officials. Useful software programs for day-to-day tasks include spreadsheets, word processing, and database. Figures give an example of a spreadsheet output and the formula used in each calculation. (MLF)

The specific responsibilities of the school business official can be grouped into five major categories: (1) educational; (2) fiscal; (3) employee; (4) support services; and (5) other. (Author)

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)

In order to process data in a computer, application software must be either developed or purchased. Costs for modifications of the software package and maintenance are often hidden. The decision to buy or develop software packages should be based upon factors of time and maintenance. (MLF)

Increased accountability is required in school accounting due to rising education costs and the significant investment made in property and equipment in educational facilities. Guidelines for planning and implementing a property record-keeping system are provided. (Author/MLF)

The school business official is usually responsible for establishing and maintaining student activity accounts. Identifies key elements in developing a student activities procedures handbook. Sections include student organizations and activities, dances, concessions, public-performances, money-raising activities, travel, finances, and…

Performance auditing is a tool designed to assist public officials in meeting their responsibility to apply resources efficiently and effectively. Applies performance auditing to school business support services; identifies benefits and obstacles; and provides selected alternatives and examples of performance auditing. (MLF)

Systemic reform efforts are being widely utilized as a tool in school improvement. In the next decade, math and science are becoming a focus for improvement, as are the issues of privatization and collaboration. Asks school business officials questions to reveal how dedicated to change they are. (KDP)

Waukesha County Technical College (Wisconsin) received the Governmental Financial Officers Association "Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award" in 1993 and became the first educational entity to do so. Popular annual financial reporting is an effective way for schools to present reader-friendly reports that stress graphics and…