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)

Offers a brief synopsis of the unique characteristics of the following roof membranes: (1) built-up roofing; (2) elastoplastic membranes; (3) modified bitumen membranes; (4) liquid applied membranes; and (5) metal roofing. A chart compares the characteristics of the raw membranes only. (MLF)

The Pinnacle awards are presented annually by the Association of School Business Officials International to four members who have created an outstanding practice, proposal, or publication that enhances the school business management profession. Presents summaries of each of the 1994 recipients' award-winning projects. (MLF)

Almost 800 school business officials across the United States and Canada responded to the ASBO's 1996 survey on privatization. A vast majority of respondents opposed privatization of district functions (such as budgeting, accounting, and school operations), but approved contracting for architectural design and legal services. A major reason for…

The expertise and resources of contracted student transportation can free up school administrators' time and attention. When school boards are considering contracting student transportation, the school business official's role is crucial in taking an objective look at all the policy options. Cites three sources for additional information. (MLF)

The challenge of containing health-care costs continues despite a break from cost increases. Most experts would advise school employees to replace existing health plans with a triple-choice HMO plan using $10 copayments. Armed with quality data and a choice-based plan design, school business officials can improve their chances for long-term cost…

School board members can increase their knowledge of the budget process by the following actions: (1) meet with the school business official; (2) assemble school statistics; (3) evaluate each potential cut in its own right; (4) investigate new funding sources; (5) establish a budget adoption calendar; and (6) expect periodic reports from…

Several experts in the field of college financial administration offer their insights into the emerging relationship between high technology and financial management, focusing on the role of the institution's chief business officer. Topics include efficiency, cost effectiveness, organizational communication, homegrown vs. packaged software…

This manual covers cost accounting applications and techniques as they apply to institutions of higher education, focusing mainly on the different methods of allocating costs. The manual covers four major costing topics: aggregate institution and systemwide costs; major academic and administrative program costs; academic and administrative…

Outsourcing of school services creates a need for educators to learn how best to select a contractor. Contracted student transportation is used to illustrate flexibility and creativity in writing a request for proposal, the evaluation process, and the importance of contractors' willingness to work alongside the district as a genuine business…

The drive for privatizing public education comes from two different movements: load-shedding and outsourcing. Districts hope to reduce perceived labor problems, avoid managing "uninteresting" services, save money, and/or buy quick-fix education reform. Privatization of charter schools is becoming big business, but its cost-effectiveness…

Whereas equity generally focuses on relative levels or distributions of funds, adequacy stresses providing sufficient and absolute funding levels to produce desired student outcomes. Adequacy underlies many recent court decisions. Estimating costs of an adequate education is extremely difficult. School business officials must develop better…

Provides information on how school districts can reduce their fiscal liability under the Handicapped Child Protection Act (HCPA) of 1986. School officials that present an image of service and cooperation for disabled students are less likely to have a dispute and less likely to have to pay attorneys' fees. (Contains 32 references.) (MLF)

Describes some processes to prepare for times when budgetary resources may be inadequate to accomplish all of a school district's goals. A school district should address the following issues: program performance, district implications, community support, and program evaluation. (MLF)

This publication presents field-proven school energy conservation programs, practices, procedures, and ideas that can assist educators with the resource allocation challenges caused by the international energy situation. The programs presented are representative of a broad spectrum of school and school-related organizations from 15 widely…