The 2014 edition of "Financial Accounting for Local and State School Systems" updates the 2009 (see ED505993) and 2003 editions of the handbook. The 2003 edition was the work of the NCES National Forum on Education Statistics, Core Finance Data Task Force. That task force systematically rewrote nearly the entire text, incorporating new…

Budgeting is a valuable planning tool, facilitated by basic spreadsheets. Three basic steps in creating a budget--listing fixed and variable costs, computing a break-even point, and evaluating modifications--are explained. Models illustrate the basics of moving around the spreadsheet and entering formulas. Popular spreadsheet programs and price…

Provides a step-by-step approach for administrators to follow when becoming aquainted with their first computer. (MD)

Small school district administrators can use microcomputers to improve their management abilities and productivity through computerized accounting, electronic mail and online subscription services, and the use of integrated software programs. (MD)

The CO/OP (founded in 1973 as the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials Cooperative Corporation) has created and produced administrative software for schools. Describes two areas in which software can increase revenue and provide protection for personnel: (1) invoice/accounts receivable for the rental of school space; and (2) an…

Discusses how effective use of community volunteers can increase automation of high school administrative tasks and result in better financial school management. This will result in better resource management and better schools. (Author/MD)

Reviews specific administrative tasks that can be computerized. Provides criteria for selection of software programs. (MD)

Discusses the many applications of microcomputer use by school administrators. The discussion is geared to "recalcitrant" administrators who have not begun to use computers in their work. Includes a sidebar listing of administrative software and another on computer use in education. (MD)

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)

Administrators in an Alabama school district found that purchasing their own data processing equipment was a better buy than the public consortium they had been using to supply data processing needs. The system, its uses, and advantages are described. (MLF)

An inhouse accounting program can increase the productivity and efficiency of the school business office. Discusses basic questions regarding software, hardware requirements, training, and obtaining staff support and cooperation. (MLF)

Describes the use of online accounting systems as a means of integrating diverse data and providing different levels of analysis for managers. An appendix provides examples of reports produced by online systems. (CLB)

In most school districts, the chief business official is involved in some aspect of a variety of support functions. This book provides 101 ready-made, field-tested computerized templates of applications commonly used in school business administration. The 101 school business applications and corresponding templates are described in the text and…

Continues the discussion of the Association of School Business Officials' 1987 member survey on automation, citing computer applications in use by enrollment size. Only the number of applications in wide use increases with enrollment size. A rough measure of satisfaction with software vendors highlights two companies. (MLF)

The task for the National Data Management Project is to share technological capabilities with the Head Start Community in order to implement improved services for children and families involved in Head Start. Many Head Start programs have incorporated technology into their programs, including word processing, database management systems,…