School Finance and Management – EDAS 648

Course Description

Basic methods of school finance and business management and principles of plant, finance, budgeting and accounting will be discussed. Federal and State regulations and grants will be studied.

Rationale

Financial and managerial leadership of a school building or district is a primary factor in the success or failure of school instructional programs. This course provides an opportunity for the public or private school practicing or prospective administrator to gain an understanding of his/her role in these critical areas. A comprehensive understanding of the financial implications of systemic reform, centralized goal setting, accountability standards, and decentralized forms of site-based management, school choice, charter schools, and the voucher system will be the main focus of this study.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate will participate in 4 Discussions. Each Discussion will be completed over the course of two weeks. The candidate is required to write a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 300 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. Each thread must contain at least 1 scholarly citation in current APA format. Acceptable sources include the textbook, the Bible, or other scholarly resources. In addition to the thread, the candidate is required to reply to at least 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 150 words. Each reply must contain at least 1 scholarly citation in current APA format. Acceptable sources include the textbook, the Bible, or other scholarly resources. (CLO: A, C, D, E, F, H)

Program Financial Review: Resource Analysis Assignment

The candidate will submit this assignment in two parts. The first part includes an analysis of financial processes and operations, identifying and explaining critical areas of need for additional resources, and prioritizing challenges resulting in operational policies and procedures based on the funding of programs within his/her chosen district/school system. This written report segment must contain at least 750 words, not including the required title page, abstract, and reference pages. The candidate will complete all assignment aspects according to the provided steps for each section. The candidate will then prepare a PowerPoint presentation based on the above analysis that advocates for equitable distribution of resources. The PowerPoint must include a minimum of 10 slides with speaker notes, using appropriate support. (CLO: A, B, C, E, F)

Program Financial Review: Operational Systems Audit Assignment

The candidate will submit this assignment in three parts: budget review interview and collaboration, document analysis, and a recommendation regarding operational systems. First, the candidate will interview a school or district leader familiar with operational systems used to allocate physical and human resources using guided questions. The candidate will then review and analyze documentation related to the interview. Finally, the candidate will develop 2–3 recommendations for the school/district related to the priority identified in the Resource Analysis Assignment. The written report segment of the assignment must contain at least 750 words, not including the required title page, abstract, and references page (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)

Program Financial Review: Goals and Strategies Assignment

The candidate will submit this assignment in two parts.  Based on the results of the Resource Analysis Assignment and Operational Systems Audit Assignment, the candidate will develop three financial SMART goals and will provide a rationale for each SMART goal.  Then, the candidate will propose two strategies needed to implement each goal and how these goals will support equitable programs. The candidate must ensure that the goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Research-based, and Time-sensitive). The paper must contain at least 750 words, not including the required title page, abstract, and references page. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)

Program Financial Review: Resource Management Plan Assignment

The candidate will submit this assignment in three parts. Based on the results of the Goals and Strategies, the candidate will project the resources needed to accomplish the goals and strategies. The candidate will then develop a three-year fiscal plan and annual program budget that aligns with the school/district priorities.  Finally, the candidate will describe how the data will be used ethically and equitably to develop the multi-year plan and how it aligns with the school/district vision and mission. The paper must contain at least 750 words, not including the required title page, abstract, and references page (CLO: A, B, C, E, F, G)

Program Financial Review: Financial Accountability Plan Assignment

The candidate will complete this assignment in two parts. First, the candidate will evaluate the school's or district's policies with regard to legal, ethical, and equity issues using a provided list of topics. The candidate will include a monitoring plan for Goals and Strategies and Resource Management. The written report segment of this assignment must contain at least 750 words, not including the required title page, abstract, and references page. Then, the candidate will develop a one-page handout/flyer designed to be shared with appropriate stakeholders. (CLO: A, E, F, G)

Program Financial Review: Final Submission Assignment

The candidate will compile and submit the revised Resource Analysis, Operational Systems Audit, Goals and Strategies, Resource Management Plan, and the Financial Accountability Plan assignments to Canvas and CORE at the end of the course. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)

Quizzes (7)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for each module. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 15–30 multiple-choice and true/false questions, and have a time limit of 2 hours. (CLO: A, B, D, E, F, G)