April 7 (Budgeting)

As a first year Vice-Principal, I have yet to deal with any budgets. I fully understand the importance of familarizing oneself with this administrative task; it is essential if you are to move up to a principal. Although I have never dealt with any budgets, I do understand some of the general principles associated with budgeting.

I know it is important to be transparent. Schools are scutinized by both internal and external auditors. Schools are given money for the various operations of the school. The budget is broken down into funds such as operating, capital investment, salaries, daycare, special programs. Each one of these then has certain levels of activity like capital investment may include money for general or major renovations for the school. Schools are also responsible for collecting consumables and lunch fees from students to help defray some of the costs. Raising costs of consumables, as I learned this year, cannot be done unless consent is given by the Governig Boards.

Indeed, the Governing Board plays a major role in the finacial activities of the school. The school principal must always present the schools upcoming yearly budget before the Governing Board and give a clear indication of how monies will be spent for the upcoming school year. The Governing Board must then approve of the budget so that it may be passed.

I laready mentioned the importance of being transparent, but it is also crucial to deal with budgets in a way that conform to ethical practices. The principal is held accountable when there are questionable practices with how money is utilized.

My school is part of a network of schools called SMS (Supporting Montreal Schools). We receive a budget that allows us to utilize money for field trips that have a specific educational purpose. Many such places to visit are found in a directory that provides the location, schedules of vistis and cost. Each school is given up to $20 per student to use this cultural resource.

Again, I don't know much about the mechanics of budgets but I will be working with my principal next year and be attending workshops provided by our finance department to become better aquainted on this subject.