What was the Budget Process?

What was the process?

CKSD's 2006-07 budget was developed by combining the efforts of the community-based Finance Committee, District Administrators, staff, and community. This process has been used for a number of years and is constantly evolving as administrative staff and community members work together, share ideas, and define common goals. The fundamental concepts of the process are as follows:

  • The budget is driven by the district's mission and goals;
  • Staff and community are active participants in the budget process;
  • The budget is clear and understandable;
  • The budget is developed in a logical, systematic manner with input from many sources;
  • Funding is allocated after needs are justified and adequate revenues are identified; and
  • All expenditures are accountable and subject to review.

The process has worked well and resulted in budget allocations that are fair, balanced, and in alignment with the district’s mission of All Students Learning Well.

What Budget Evaluation Criteria was Used?

The Community Finance Committee and District Administrators followed the 2006-07 Budgeting Guidelines.  In addition, budget requests were evaluated using the following criteria:

1. District Mission and Goals
All budget decisions are filtered through the District's focus of All Students Learning Well, and the four District goals of: (1) create an environment to maximize achievement for all students; (2) ensure that CKSD is a safe and caring place where students, staff, parents, and community members can learn and work together with mutual trust and respect; (3) plan for accountability and appropriate change; and (4) establish a long-range fiscal strategy and work to secure funding.

2. Budget Ground Rules
In addition to filtering all budget decisions through the district’s mission and goals, the budget decisions should:

  • Provide balance between direct service to students and support services to create the best learning environment;
  • Consider contractual, legal, health/safety items, and critical functions;
  • Balance projected revenues and expenditures and provide adequate protection against unforeseen and planned future needs;
  • Maintain budget fairness at all levels;
  • Consider funding necessary to sustain programs in future years; and
  • Use only continuing revenue to fund ongoing programs.

3. Budget Evaluation Criteria
In addition to considering the above, the following budget evaluation criteria is used:

  1. Does it provide direct instruction to students?
  2. Does it enhance student achievement?
  3. Does it provide for the maintenance of usable facilities?
  4. Does it maintain an agreed upon minimum standard and/or service?

 
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