Several years ago, New York State created a new school business administrator certification program for private-sector business administrators who wanted to switch careers. Interviews with about 20 New York Association of School Business Officials (ASBO)/former business executives showed most brought superior finance and budgetary skills to their…

The essential elements of school board governance involve four dimensions: (1) setting the vision for what the community wants the public school program to be; (2) ensuring that districts have a solid staff infrastructure to achieve the vision; (3) setting standards; and (4) advocating for schools. (MLF)

A school business official with 14 years of experience in three Michigan districts agreed to join East Grand Rapids School District to help pass a $32 million bond issue for school renovations. To establish credibility in his new district, this official worked hard to communicate effectively, manage competently, and develop a clear vision.…

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)

Underscores the importance of informed decision making through accurate anticipation of cost incurrence in light of changing economic and environmental conditions. Explains the concepts of cost accounting, full allocation of costs, the selection of an allocation base, the allocation of indirect costs, depreciation, and implications for community…

Computer hardware and software alone do not improve a financial management system. They are only the tools that carry out commands. College business offices and related administrative functions must commit effort to improving the overall system. Available from Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154. (MSE)

Describes the importance of fostering cooperation between the business and academic affairs divisions, suggesting that rifts between the divisions can lead to serious organizational conflicts. Indicates that college administrators should reduce the causes of conflict, initiate cooperation, and encourage wider participation of divisional leaders in…

While many educational institutions pay lip service to quality, often the very documents they produce, such as training handbooks and reference manuals, are not themselves of high quality. Quality documentation helps employees find what they are looking for, know when and where to ask for help, and become more independent. At Central Piedmont…

This collection of essays examines strategies to strengthen financial management in the community colleges from the perspective of college finance and administrative support officers. Part I focuses on selected role functions that college business officers perform, containing "Integrating Academic Planning and Budgeting," by Byron N. McClenney and…

Because of the integral relationship of student financial aid with student recruitment and retention, budgeting, program design and development, student services, and long-range institutional planning, it is useful to review organizational structure periodically to ensure visibility of the financial aid function within the institution. (MSE)

Reaffirms necessary elements for the successful operation of college purchasing and maintenance programs (e.g., purchasing calendar, bidding procedures, vendor selection, contracting services, budgeting for maintenance, and workforce analysis). Discusses ways some colleges are saving on operating costs (e.g., solar energy, energy management,…

Schools are beginning to tap into the growing industry of Interactive Television (ITV) as a way to offer their students greater learning resources. Switching to the new distance-learning method of ITV requires knowledge of the technological terminology. A cost-analysis model is given as an example for business administrators. (KDP)

When college budget problems lead to difficult decisions, the inherent differences between the business and academic areas may become exaggerated. Business affairs administrators are wise to make the effort to establish and maintain good communication with faculty. The rewards are trust and more effective administration. (MSE)

School business officials will need to lead the way for many of the changes that will take place in the nation's schools. Outlines some strategies to help defuse the tension and defensiveness and clear the way for meaningful change. (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)