Public investors can lower commissions through investment autonomy, that is, implementing the investment decision process without outside input. Details some techniques for fine-tuning the investment process. (MLF)

The key to effective grants management for any institution is careful coordination from beginning to end. Outlines how the grants office will handle management functions and provides checklists for grant negotiations and project start. Lists responsibilities of the grants and finance offices, documents to be included in a grant's official file,…

A well-designed investment program can help administrators get the most out of public dollars and other available resources. (Author)

California school districts have generated an immediate 20 percent administrative saving by self-insuring Workers' Compensation. (Author/MLF)

An Illinois pooled investment program provides a comprehensive money management service for schools at the lowest possible cost. By pooling the dollar needs of both large and small borrowers, interest rates are reduced. (MLF)

Use of a bank rating service can help school financial officers make sure that school assets are protected and available at all times. Explains how a bank rating system works. (MLF)

School administrators are advised to invest school funds for maximum return, coupled with safety and flexibility. The advantages and disadvantages of a variety of investment instruments are explained. (MLF)

Discusses a Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) publication designed to provide financial statement users with information to assess a government's actual and future deposit and investment market and credit risk. (MLF)

Focuses on the major issues faced by a school district throughout the implementation of a financial management information system. Describes how commercially available software was tailored to the specific needs of a Virginia school district. (MLF)

An overview of recent litigation involving attempts by the federal government to recover allegedly misspent funds. Suggests that the administration intends to ensure that federal funds for education not be misused or abused. (MLF)

School districts often face unevenly timed state aid and property tax disbursements. As a result, they issue a large volume of short-term, tax-exempt cash-flow operating notes. Offers details about why school districts need to issue notes and discusses the increasing trend of pooled note issues. (MLF)

Outlines several major areas involved in issuing bonds to finance school buildings and other projects. Basic financing structures include general obligation bonds, lease revenue bonds, and tax anticipation notes. Explains competitive or negotiated sale process and the roles of financial advisor, underwriter, and bond counsel. (MLF)

The specific responsibilities of the school business official can be grouped into five major categories: (1) educational; (2) fiscal; (3) employee; (4) support services; and (5) other. (Author)

Zero-base budgeting is a management tool that provides a system that is responsive to change, incorporates sound principles of management, satisfies the need to effectively shift resources, and does not overload the budget staff. (Author/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)