Week 5 Part 2 Self-Assessment and Reflection

Week 5: Part 2

EDLD School Finance

SBEC Self-Assessment and Reflection

Marilyn Pace-White

The superintendent knows how to:

  C   apply procedures for effective budget planning and management.

  C collaboratively with board of trustees and appropriate personnel to develop district budgets.

  I    facilitate and evaluate effective account auditing and monitoring that complies with legal requirements and local district policy.

C    establish district procedures for accurate, effective, ethical purchasing and financial record keeping and reporting.

 C   acquire, allocate, and manage resources according to district vision and priorities, including obtaining and using funding from various sources.

S   use district and staff evaluation data for personnel policy development and decision making.

S   apply knowledge associated with personnel management, including requirements related to certifying, recruiting, screening, selecting, evaluating, disciplining, reassigning, and dismissing personnel.

C   manage one's own time and the time of others to enhance district operations.

 S     and implement plans for using technology and information systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of school district operations.

S   apply legal concepts, regulations, and codes as required.

C   use revenue forecasting and enrollment forecasting to address personnel and budgetary needs accurately.

Self-Assessment Reflection

School Finance has been as challenging experience for me.  When I first completed the Self-Assessment I became extremely doubtful about my success in the course based on my lack of knowledge in a few of the competency areas.  Starting at the beginning with the History of School Finance was a great motivator as we began to fast forward into the course work.  I was able to make valuable connections from the past that created major foundations for many of the current policies or laws in educational finance today.  Even though I am currently at the campus level as a Curriculum Coordinator the transfer of learning from what I have learned in this course will be easily adapted to the next level.  I noticed from my first self-assessment I rated myself “I” to improve on the first two competencies, but now I feel the knowledge acquired from this course I have established confidence to be effective in these of applying procedures for effective budgeting planning and management and working collaboratively with board of trustees and appropriate personnel to develop district budgets.  School Finance 101 on Budget planning helped me to understand the procedures involved to effectively collaborate and plan with a district’s board of trustees. Now these competency areas are rated as Competent.  In the competency areas that I rated my knowledge and skills as “C” or competent many of did not change because I currently do not have the experience connected to actual on hands on engagement or performance.  I am confident that as I approach the level of experience necessary these areas will reflect self-improvement to strengths. Four of my “C” has increased to “S’s”. They are use district and staff evaluation data for personnel policy development and decision making.

and apply knowledge associated with personnel management, including requirements related to certifying, recruiting, screening, selecting, evaluating, disciplining, reassigning, and dismissing personnel.

To lead in these activities a Superintendent must be aware of the budget process, budget comparisons from year to year, an awareness of the various sources that support an effective budget and most important be knowledgeable of the school district’s local policies, state and federal guidelines.  I have no idea why I did not self assess on this competency in the beginning: use revenue forecasting and enrollment forecasting to address personnel and budgetary needs accurately. With all of the detailed guidelines at your finger tips and with knowledge and skills of personnel hired as experts in school finance the collaborative team work is a definite benefit to accomplish success with any district school budget. 

Even though I lack the actual work experience I know I have developed confidence to be able to work with a district’s board of trustees and other personnel to meet the challenges ahead in world of School Finance.