Most districts are facing severe budgetary constraints, and special education is one area that is feeling the effects. Special education consumes an average of 20%-30% of school district budgets. Pacing fiscal and systemic controls on special-education spending, and examining para professional placements in particular, will lead to better delivery…

The purpose of this study was to identify the job responsibilities perceived as most important in maintaining school district financial solvency. Additionally, the study sought to identify specific financial management strategies school business officials (SBO) could consider to maintain financial solvency in their school districts. A total of 208…

The transformative powers of digital technology to improve student learning and the resulting effect of that technology to make the business of education more cost-effective are two of the more exciting dynamics in schooling today. Before the current school year ends, new products and upgrades will be available to replace much of the technology.…

In the summer of 2007, the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) and the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) held a summit on enterprise risk management (ERM) in Washington DC with senior officers and trustees from several leading colleges and universities. Approximately 40…

This article presents an interview with John D. Musso, executive director of the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International. Musso talks about trends and issues that will most affect school business and operations in 2007 and beyond. Despite the challenges facing school operations, he believes that the key to being successful at…

Describes how within the design and construction industry, a process known as "building commissioning" has evolved to ensure that the operational aspects of a facility are just as worthy of praise as the bricks and mortar. Discusses higher education business officers' responsibility for initiating a building commissioning process, which…

Mary Jo Maydew articulates her priorities as 2002-2003 board chair of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO): helping business officers maximize their expanding roles on campus and guiding the association in better serving member needs. (EV)

Presents a "Code of Ethics for School Administrators" and "Standards of Conduct for the Association of School Business Officials." These codes, combined with school regulations and adherence to various statutes, can provide school business officials with a sound philosophical basis for fulfilling their responsibilities. (MLF)

Because of financial and management pressures forced on almost all institutions, a school business officer is required who speaks out on academic matters as well as business matters and can stand up to the new pressures and opportunities. (Author/MLF)

In the next 5 to 8 years, school boards and superintendents will face a shortage of qualified school business officials. As certain studies in New York, Pennsylvania, and California show, plans for recruitment, training, licensing, and skill development are needed to replace large numbers of retiring administrators. (Contains 10 references.) (MLH)

Describes one model for structuring business affairs within academic administration, the senior academic business administrator (SABA), used at Texas A and M University. Discusses the path to the position, staffing, functional and professional challenges, professional development, and trends in the field. Also describes the author's personal…

This chapter of "Principles of School Business Management" presents an overview of risk management for school districts. The chapter first discusses four fundamental elements of risk management: (1) identifying and measuring risks; (2) reducing or eliminating risks; (3) transferring unassumable risks; and (4) assuming remaining risks.…

Due process in employment practices is guaranteed to school employees to the extent that they have constitutionally protected liberty and property interests in their employment. This paper reviews the responsibilities of school business officials at every stage in the employment process, from the original application for employment through…

Points to three kinds of information and skills possessed by business affairs personnel that need to be shared with other administrators, faculty, and the public. Sees the talents of these officials being buried by stereotypic images, considers ways of improving communication, and underscores the critical need for business officers expertise. (AYC)

Describes role of school business officials in complying with No Child Left Behind Act's mandated use of school and student data. Includes data mining for educators and information technology solutions. (PKP)