Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFRs) are submitted by school systems applying for the Association of School Business Officials' Certificate of Excellence. Reviewers of the CAFRs listed specific concerns under headings of presentation and persistent technical deficiencies. Advises school business officials of their responsibilities to…

School business officials can assist boards of education in negotiating with unions by gathering and analyzing data that show the real costs of proposals. (MLF)

The Association of School Business Officials International is establishing the Meritorious Budget Award Program to critique school district budgets. Recently several school districts agreed to apply the criteria from the program to their budgets. The experiences of two Pennsylvania districts are reported: Mt. Lebanon School District, Pittsburgh…

To increase the success rate and promote more participation in the Association of School Business Officials' Certificate of Excellence Program, last year's Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFR) submitted by every third successful submitter (N=28) and all unsuccessful submitters (N=23) were examined for deficiencies. (MLF)

Risk transfer is the process of finding an entity to assume the burden of liability. Opportunities for risk transfer agreements for school districts include outside contractors, use of facilities, rental of buildings and equipment, and school trips. Figures show two sample hold-harmless agreements and basic types and levels of coverage. (MLF)

To help school business administrators keep track of districts' funds and make the right investment decisions, this directory contains descriptions of the financial services provided by over 25 firms. A table provides detailed information on the areas of the country the firms serve and their areas of expertise. (MLF)

Reviews two approaches to educational finance reform: one state-initiated (Indiana's 1993 problem-driven school-funding formula), the other federally initiated (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Applies lessons from these two approaches to current state efforts to reform local public schools. (Contains 16 references.) (PKP)

Property management of surplus school district property retained for possible future use involves preserving the value of property while generating income. Steps for formulating and administrating a property management plan are provided. (Author/MLF)

For the past 9 years, a study conducted by the Educational Research Service has provided a consistent and reliable means for comparing local school budgets throughout the nation. Three figures and 2 tables provide summary data. The last table shows an analysis with 48 separate budget categories that administrators can use to compare their budgets.…

Describes ways in which the school-business administrator affects instruction. Areas of responsibility include transportation, food-service programs, vendor administration, plant management, and the development and administration of the budget. Examples from Canandaigua School District, New York, are included. (LMI)

School district participation in the Meritorious Budget Awards (MBA) Program makes budgets more understandable and user-friendly. All budget data are presented in a single document in a pyramid approach that begins with a summary of all funds and then presents individual funds. Provides ordering information for a publication that guides readers…

This chapter of "Principles of School Business Management" provides an overview of the role of computers--and microcomputers in particular--in the school business management process. The chapter opens with a background discussion of the management information system (MIS) concept in general. This topic is examined in terms of the…

New legislation requiring that continuing health insurance benefits be offered to employees and their families generally apply to all health care benefit plans maintained by school districts. The new regulations are explained. (MLF)

In anticipation of a shortage of qualified, experienced administrators, school districts could (1) evaluate their employee demographics; (2) review benefits provided to administrators and consider developing a new package of benefits; (3) ask administrators to identify previously undefined benefits; and (4) identify and provide a career track for…

Chief school business officials are retiring at an unprecedented rate. Board members should analyze the reasons why a business manager left and correct any circumstances that hampered job performance. Lists skills and salary range for the position. (MLF)