The leadership role of the school business official has changed during the past two centuries. Initially, a lay board oversaw the area of school business. That responsibility then moved to selectmen of the town and later to a committee of men. In 1910, the role of school business official was formalized with the establishment of the National…

Internal accounts offer schools a faster, more convenient way to handle the income and expenses that result from student fees, school clubs and organizations, field trips, fund-raising, and similar activities. But this convenience also incurs the added risk of fraud. Fortunately, there are proven ways to strengthen internal controls and reduce…

This article takes a look at the early years of the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) and discusses how the organization was developed. To be successful, organizations must evolve, adapting to the changes in the profession and, thus, the changing needs of their members--and that is just what this fledgling group did.…

Examines traditional costing models utilized in higher education and pinpoints shortcomings related to proper identification of costs. Describes activity-based costing systems as a superior alternative for cost identification, measurement, and allocation. (MLF)

Highlights projects and statistics of the Association of School Business Officials' Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting by Schools Program. (MLF)

This handy desk reference will help readers and their institutions develop and maintain a professional environment that will maximize efficiencies and provide the necessary skills to properly manage operations and portfolios while ensuring that students receive fair and equitable service and opportunities. Written for business officers, financial…

This booklet provides guidelines to help school business officials develop sound procedures for keeping proper accounts of and managing the money raised and spent in the course of conducting student activity programs. The booklet notes the roles of the administrators and activity advisers related to management of the student activity fund, then…

A sample of school business leaders was surveyed to document their experiences with and opinions about the Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Analyzes responses from 90 participating districts and 80 nonparticipating districts from a total of 36 states. (MLF))

The Governmental Accounting Standards Board recently issued an exposure draft that will result in significant changes to financial reporting produced in accordance with accounting principles. Financial reports will have to include a management's discussion and analysis section, a revised presentation of fund-oriented financial statements, and a…

Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFRs) are submitted by school systems applying for the Association of School Business Officials' Certificate of Excellence. Reviewers of the CAFRs listed specific concerns under headings of presentation and persistent technical deficiencies. Advises school business officials of their responsibilities to…

In addressing the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Board, the National Association of College and University Business Officers' president urged the accounting standards boards to work together to establish a multiyear accounting research agenda for higher education. (Author/MSE)

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,…

Only with careful planning can school business managers develop fixed asset information and good recordkeeping. Use of a simple inventory system and discussion with school districts already utilizing this system will assist planning. (CJH)

This manual attempts to clarify appropriate business-management practices for Catholic schools. It addresses relevant financial issues, such as stewardship of property and resources. The volume describes the importance of employing a business manager and explores that person's role, delving into the business manager as manager, leader, and…

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)