This policy brief is intended to highlight some of the leading policy issues faced by states, local school districts, policymakers, education leaders, and concerned citizens. State and local policies vary appreciably, a definitive statement on how school finances can and should be managed in every setting is beyond the scope of this paper. Rather, the goal is to present general recommendations about best fiscal practices that can be tailored to meet the needs and circumstances of individual states and school districts. The document is organized into five sections. Following a list of "guiding principles of sound fiscal management systems," Section II outlines responsibilities and roles in the fiscal management process. This section is organized according to the five major steps in the budgeting process, and emphasizes opportunities for engagement by various constituencies at each step in the process. Section III considers rural-specific concerns and strategies, and Section IV examines the options available to state policymakers in ensuring sound fiscal management practices at the school and district level. Following the fifth and final section, the conclusion, are appendices offering specific information on budgeting models, a glossary of school finance terms, and resources for obtaining additional information.