1.

What is the role and purpose of the district-wide budget and the number one priority of the
school-district?
The role of the budget is to outline priorities and goals of the district in numerical format
and have a road map to follow for the school year. The number one priority of the school
district is the Mission Statement: ISD 287 provides responsive and innovative programs
for unique learners.

2. Who is involved in the development of the district-wide budget?

All leaders and their clerical support, lead teachers, principals, directors. Meet with
member districts finance and special education directors. Never business as usual.
Since enrollment comes from all member districts, cant just predict that because this
many students are in kindergarten so this many will be in 1st grade next year. Every
month send to each member district number of students and billing.

3. Describe the district-wide budget calendar (e.g., timelines).

January:
HR sends reminders to staff regarding 2/1 deadline for retirement
February:
Student enrollment planning/projection with Executive Directors of member
districts. Enrollment numbers sent to finance, cabinet discusses tenure candidates.
Review staff reductions and possible tenured layoffs. Revised budget for current
FY adopted by Board. Assumptions of upcoming FY sent to the Board.
March:
Notification due to HR regarding reduction of FTEs. ALC and T&L staff
planning meeting. Program projected revenues shared with Exec Directors for
budget planning.
April:
Notification due to HR regarding change of assignment. MyBudgetFile training
sessions for principals and directors. Supervisors make any adjustments. Final
recommendations for tenured staff.
May:
Principals meet individually with HR and Exec Director of Special Ed to review
staffing. All staffing and non-staffing budgets sent to Exec Director for approval.
Exec Directors review program allocations and expenses with Mae. Final
recommendation permanent status candidates. Board approves resolution of
staffing reductions, non-tenured, non-renewals.
June:
Strategic Initiatives Team approves final budget. Budget approved by the Board
at last meeting of the month.
4. What are the major (broad and general) categories of the district-wide budget?
Districtwide Admin, ALC/ Academic Education, Career and Tech Vocational Ed, Special
Education, Food Services, Community Services, Debt Services.

5. What is the percentage distribution of total current expenditures by function (e.g., instruction
and instruction-related, administration, student support, operations, and other)?

6. What is the percentage distribution of current instruction and instruction-related expenditures

by object (e.g., salaries and benefits)?
Mae did not have this information available, but said salaries and benefits are about 85%
of total budget.

7. What is the percentage distribution of revenue by source (e.g., Federal, State, and Local).
8.What advice would you give to a new administrator regarding budgeting?
Always know what your budget is and dont be afraid to ask questions. The business
manager and finance department are there to help. The more you ask for help the more
they can help you. If they dont know they cant help. Dont surprise your budget
business manager.

9. What are some of the major differences between an Intermediate District and an Independent
District?
Biggest difference is mainly in the population because its all special education. Need to
be more flexible since enrollment always fluctuates and is hard to predict. Primary
source of revenue comes from tuition billed to member districts. Have no taxing
authority or tax base, so cannot go to the tax payer for referendum. There is more
conversation with member districts and less with stakeholders.