Michigan has long advocated local control of education, a philosophy that particularly applies to purchasing school buses. To counter adverse legal actions stemming from noncompetitive bidding practices, the Michigan School Business Officials and the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation collaborated to develop a comprehensive,…

Technological advancements are helping school business officials at the Fountain Valley (California) School District effectively manage district assets, thanks to developments in budget and finance software, videoconferencing, online purchasing and fund raising, inventory bar codes and portable scanners, paperless forms and applications, writable…

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…

Before purchasing a specific microcomputer, school districts should consider what types of software applications are desired, whether the micro is capable of being upgraded, which software and operating systems are supported by the micro at present, and how many of the particular model are currently operating. Hardware and software are evaluated.…

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)

Describes the management advantages computers can bring to small school districts. Advises purchasers to select quality software first, then purchase a computer that can handle the software. (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)

New, highly flexible accounting software packages have abandoned the rigidity of past systems and are designed to be easily customized to the school district's needs without programming. Process-based software integrates processes and work flow, allowing users to work across application and function boundaries, as well as organizational…

A handbook of guidelines is presented for school business officials who are concerned with schoolhouse planning and construction. In this research handbook, several contributing authors present analyses and guidance with regard to: (1) the need for careful study in selecting, acquiring, developing, and utilizing school sites, (2) selection of, and…

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,…

Today's purchasing professionals recognize the need to reduce non-value-added procedures (clerical functions) while emphasizing strategic planning. Results-oriented supply-chain managers need superb communication, negotiation, and leadership skills to achieve long-term value and resist the lowest, first- cost bids. (Contains 13 references.) (MLH)

At the advent of the 21st century, schools are devoting more and more financial and staff resources to incorporating technology into the classroom to support teaching, learning and the management of school business. But as schools purchase computers and link them together in local and wide-area networks, totaling the dollars spent on hardware is…

The Goals 2000 Act focuses on local decisions to improve education. The challenge for school business administrators will be to meet the changes in the way schools and districts operate in the areas of linking social services, budgeting, and purchasing. Lists the eight goals of the act, along with the objectives for measuring achievement of each…

The school business administration function in the operation of American schools has undergone dramatic changes during the past several years. Changing demographics, high technology, the movement to professionalize school administration, and changes by the legislative and judicial systems have all had significant impact on the character of school…

Roles played by the executive team in higher education, including their involvement in planning, purchasing, computer use on campus, and management, were surveyed. Tables and summaries address the roles of chief executive officers, chief academic officers, chief business officers, department heads, and computer center directors, as well as how…