Lists a variety of possible ethical incidents that may confront a school business manager. Proposes that ethics be given adequate treatment in preservice programs, that all educators be made more aware of ethics, and that members of the profession be trained and encouraged to police their fellow members. (MLF)

The Association of School Business Officials International compiled the 12 best articles on site-based management from its journal "School Business Affairs." The first section covers budgeting: "School-Site Budgeting," David S. Honeyman and Richard Jensen; "Involving the Principal in the Budget Making Process," Leonard L. Gregory and Roger R.…

This chapter of "Principles of School Business Management" reviews the historical development of the school business management process and the role, responsibilities, and training of the administrators assigned to carry out the process. The origins of school management in colonial America and the subsequent growth and increasing…

This chapter of "Principles of School Business Management" examines the manager's role in an organization (particularly in a school district), organizational structure and environment, and behaviors and motivations of the groups and individuals who populate the organization. The chapter first addresses the personnel functions performed by the…

Reports findings of a survey of school district chief business officers (CBO), in which respondents were asked about the duties and responsibilities of their district's CBO. Data are summarized in ten tables, which categorize responses by size of district enrollment, as well as for all respondents. (JG)

College business officers whose institutions are not connected to the Internet can gain affordable access as individuals. Lists of Free-Net and community network systems in most states and of Internet and on-line service providers are offered. Additional sources of accounts are noted. Common Internet terms are also defined. (MSE)

Four experienced college business officers discuss how to communicate financial information to the college community. They focus on the importance of establishing trust within the institution; the role of the business officer in strategic planning; typical misunderstandings and how to avoid and correct them; supporting the president; and keeping…

An effective college or university budget process is dependent on the culture of the institution. Different processes and budget types are appropriate to different institutions. Understanding the interrelationships of budgeting, planning, and financial modeling can help make the budget more predictable and relevant to the college's values and…

Presents suggestions for superintendents and central office executives to provide support for principals. Principals can be helped in the following ways: hire the best principals; look within the system for principal candidates; provide training in instructional leadership; inform principals about legal matters; and visit principals often. (CJH)

Rapid advances in information technology have rendered conventional approaches to planning and budgeting useless, and no single method is universally appropriate. The most successful planning efforts are consistent with the institution's overall plan, and may combine conventional, opportunistic, and entrepreneurial approaches. Chief financial…

School business administrators must be both business managers and educators. As the school district's chief financial officer, the school business administrator must have strong communication and interpersonal skills. Spheres of involvement include working with school staff, parents, the district office, town officials and committees, vendors, and…

This chapter of "Principles of School Business Management" discusses the effective management of purchasing processes in a school district. These processes include obtaining materials, supplies, and equipment of maximum value for the least expense, and receiving, storing, and distributing the items obtained. The chapter opens with an overview of…

This chapter of "Principles of School Business Management" looks at the role of the school business official in an era of declining enrollments. Following an introductory review of national enrollment trends, the chapter discusses the use of the cohort survival technique for enrollment projection. The focus then shifts to the impact of enrollment…

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)

Computer literacy for school business managers means knowing what tasks computers can perform to assist in the management process; understanding that the logical steps in a particular analysis depend on the business manager, not the computer; and knowing how and when to select the appropriate software package. (MLF)