The Basics of Budgeting

Leigh Zeitz

Coordinating Technology in an Educational Setting

Budgeting Topics Pre-budget Planning Preparing a Budget Managing a Budget

Budgeting is . . .

Planning for the allocation of resources

Not just Money!

People, equipment, materials, facilities

Planning Process

Traditional Technology Funding How much money do we have? What needs do we have? What curriculum do we teach? What is our teaching philosophy?

Planning Process

More Productive What is our teaching philosophy? What curriculum do we teach? What needs do we have? How much money do we have? Where can we get more $$?

Budgeting is important because . . .

Provides planned direction

Plans include necessary resources

Necessary to receive funding

Requires prioritizing planned programs

Pre-Budget Planning

Know the district’s budgeting processWho reviews the budgetHow they evaluate the budgetIn what order do they review the budget

District’s Financial ConditionDo they have the $$?Do your projects fit the condition?Does your budget show awareness?

Pre-Budgeting Planning Align with the Strategic Plan?

How does the community view the district’s spending habits?

What district guidelines apply?

Deadlines

Sign-offs

Quotas on spending categories

Pre-Budget Planning

Address District PrioritiesWhat is HOT in the district?

Build budgetary alliancesBe part of a “team”

Poorly planned and aligned budgets are a waste of time

Pre-Budget Planning

Identify technology prioritiesTechnology accessible to students/facultyAutomating the attendance systemAutomating the library circulation system

Don’t get sidetracked by GadgetsUse the Tech Plan to guide your budgeting

Review last year’s Tech Plan report to identify needs

Pre-Budget Planning

Use Last Year’s expenditures to guide your budget

Be realistic about your plans

Prepare to justify your recommendationsReasons for your decisions

Connect with Technology Plan

Connect with Strategic Plan

Don’t downplay other’s plans

Pre-Budget Planning

Know your facts!

Do your research!

Include services

Prepare for scrutiny!

Include small things as well

Preparing the Budget

Be ClearBe OrganizedBe Detailed

Use the District’s Preparation forms and methods

Anticipate Change!

Preparing the BudgetBegin by organizing your informationCreate a spreadsheet

Expenditure CategoriesDescriptionsQuantitiesCostsProject classificationsPriorities

Monitoring the BudgetWatch your expenses all year longBe systematic Expenditure categories are sacred

Must be justified TransferredAccounted for

Monitor your expenses as they occurIf possible

Be Organized!

Can’t monitor without a system

Have a system

Use your system

Get help if necessary.

Sources for Tech Money

Sources for Tech Money E-Rate Tech Line Item 5% General Fund Building Level Tech

Budget Reallocation of EOY

monies Bonds and Levies

State Emergency Funding

Corporate Donations Partnerships -

University/Corporate Adult Ed Funding Tech Consortiums Fund Raisers

E-Rate

Discount system based upon schools’ poverty levels and school settings

Begun in 1997

E-Rate

E-Rate Services Basic phone Leased data circuits Data Lines (T1, 56K, ISDN) Email Telecommunication wiring Routers, switches, hubs, servers, wireless Basic maintenance

Enhancing Education Through Technology (E2T2 or EETT)

Improve achievement through tech. Cross the digital divide Tech Literacy by 8th grade Effective Teacher Training and Curr. Dev. Linked to NCLB 50% Formula / 50% Competitive

The Money is Where You Find It . . . Any Questions?

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