Funding disparities between states and districts have been repeatedly documented, but scholars have put much less focus on resource inequities at the school level, a crucial gap in the research. In this study, I investigate school-level fiscal decision making in New York City public schools, a district that provides a unique look into expenditures…

Times are tough for everyone, including public school districts. During the past decade, school districts have faced the dual challenges of tightening budgets and increasing fiscal responsibility and oversight. Many school districts have found a way to manage their assets, reduce staff requirements, increase accountability, and save money on…

This handbook has been designed as the national standard for state and local education agencies to use in tracking and reporting financial data for school districts to use in preparing their comprehensive annual financial reports (CAFRs). The purpose of the handbook is to ensure that education fiscal data can be reported in a comprehensive manner.…

Describes the use of the charge-back system to foster better financial decision making, organizational efficiency, and waste prevention. Discusses an example of the charge-back system in reducing copying costs, including charging criteria. (GR)

A Nevada school board has instituted an internal audit committee to review how well the school system is operating, financially and otherwise. Describes committee organization and suggests a code of conduct for school systems that addresses the following situations: gifts, influence, conflict of interest, privy information, and confidentiality.…

Reviews current school district risk management practices and the related accounting requirements. Summarizes the Governmental Accounting Standards Board's proposed accounting standards and the impact of these on school districts' risk management practices and on their financial statements. (11 references) (MLF)

This chapter of "Principles of School Business Management" reviews the functions, procedures, and reports with which school business officials must be familiar in order to interpret and make decisions regarding the school district's financial position. Among the accounting functions discussed are financial management, internal auditing,…

This handbook is the basic accounting document for Wisconsin's public school systems; it presents the means to achieve uniformity in reporting on the efficacy of the Wisconsin Elementary and Secondary School Accounting System (WESSAS). Its purpose is to provide financial information that will promote reporting, auditing, interdistrict comparison,…

The purpose of this manual is to improve and clarify the system of student accounting used in Oregon public schools. Student accounting in Oregon should yield accurate demographic assessments of students at the local school and program level that will in turn provide cumulative data at the district, state, and federal levels. The manual reviews…

Current knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board standards will assist the school business official in maintaining the books of account, preparing budgets and financial reports, and explaining the annual financial report to the school board and the public. (MLF)

A permanent inhouse auditor at the Tacoma (Washington) school district provides assurance to the administration that complex systems and procedures are effective and that financial reports are accessible. Lists criteria for defining the auditor's role and methods for evaluating the auditor. (MLF)

This report presents the procedure for the accounting methods employed by California school districts for income and expenditures in instructional and support programs. The report has seven parts: (1) an introduction to accounting in local educational agencies; (2) general and subsidiary ledger accounting; (3) revenues and other financing sources;…

For school systems, the Tax Reform Act of 1986 increased the relative cost of borrowing and put greater limits on investment opportunities. Offers tips to help school boards ask the right questions to take advantage of all possible opportunities. (MLF)

The school business official is usually responsible for establishing and maintaining student activity accounts. Identifies key elements in developing a student activities procedures handbook. Sections include student organizations and activities, dances, concessions, public-performances, money-raising activities, travel, finances, and…

Advises administrators not to procrastinate on their district's compilation of disaggregated data on student achievement and teacher qualifications. Outlines the data requirements for NCLB compliance. (MLF)