Governance & Finance: Regulating and Funding

SchoolsThe way your district uses money = quality

of your professional life.

Some politicians argue that money doesn’t matter

What do you think??

What is the difference between

Can you remember….

Administrative unit within a state is defined by geographical boundaries & is legally responsible for the public education of children within those boundaries◦ Hire/Fire teachers ◦ Determine curriculum ◦ Instruction◦ Differ dramatically- number & size◦ Large or Small – both have disadvantages

School Districts

What is the difference between a school and a school district?

Correction: Test – Thursday, not Friday

Difference

Group of elected citizens responsible for setting policies that determine how a school district operates

District budget ◦ Raising money through taxes

Buses/lunch programs/new schools/salary increases/health care

Personnel Curriculum

◦ Defining & implementing Decisions, Decisions, Decisions Dress code, extra curricular activities, out of state

trips Infrastructure

Local School Board

Elected members – by voters◦ 3 – 4 year terms◦ Voter turn out - low

Some may be appointed Typical – male, white, older & wealthy –

though now more diversity (45% women)

Members of the School Board

District’s head administrative officer Along with staff implements policy Leads the board & help set agendas Hired by school boards Women/minorities – underrepresented Superintendent vs. School Board – School

board wins Political & public opinions Pay – good

Superintendent

Person given the ultimate administrative responsibility for a school’s operation

Greatest impact on your life as a teacher Hires/fires teachers Major role – establishing academic & work climate Demographic profile – similar to school board

◦ Classroom experience/master’s degree – most Wide range responsibilities

◦ Teachers selection & evaluation Experienced teachers – principals = instructional

leaders

School Principal

Salary Professional Development Opportunities Resources

Money is important in Education

State◦ Contributes the largest source of funding ◦ Nearly ½◦ Income & sales tax◦ Lottery – the more we get from here, the less we

get from other sources ◦ Different states = different funding

Local ◦ Responsibility – local school board◦ Property taxes◦ California, 1978, Proposition 13- limited property

taxes in the state

How are Schools Funded??

Federal◦ Smallest, most controversial source◦ Impact – considerable ◦ Where the funds must be spent