Stakeholder Input in the Budgeting Process

Stakeholder Input in the Budgeting Process

The second part of my interview with Sara Bonser, Assistant Superintendent, pertained to stakeholder input in the budgeting process. Mrs. Bonser stated that as the superintendent is preparing the budget, he or she must take into account the needs of the stakeholders. The central office staff which includes human resources, curriculum, student and family services, finance, and security will report to the superintendent with department needs and priorities. Campus principals will provide information pertaining to curriculum and instructional needs for the campus. Site-based committees would provide information pertaining to campus needs. District improvement committees would provide the superintendent with information pertaining to district needs and priorities. Teacher organizations such as the Parent Teacher Association and booster clubs could provide the district with information to offset costs that normally would come from school budget. Some key stakeholders would be businesses, community partnerships, and the Education foundation could also provide the district with input relating to free services for the students and families that would offset district cost and spending. Finally, the Board of Trustees would provide direction for the district to follow or consider. The direction would be in the form of board goals. The information provided by each of the stakeholders will help the superintendent decide budget priorities and allocations to the departments and campuses.

The superintendent’s task is not an easy one to say the least. Having the responsibility to create a budget is demanding. There are many variables that affect the budgeting process. The superintendent must plan a budget that will meet the needs of all of the stakeholders in order for them to operate and function. The superintendent has to look at ways to offset budget costs and will benefit the district. Ultimately, the budget must meet all student needs and align with the district goals and vision.