School Committee Policy DB–Annual Budget
The annual budget is the financial expression of the educational program of the school department, and it reflects the goals and objectives of the School Committee to meet the needs of all students.
The budget then is more than just a financial instrument and requires on the part of the Committee, the staff, and the community an orderly and cooperative effort to ensure sound fiscal practices for achieving the educational goals and objectives of the school system.Public school budgeting is regulated and controlled by legislation, state regulations, and local School Committee requirements. The operating budget for the school system will be prepared and presented in line with state policy and will be developed and refined in accordance with these same requirements.
The Superintendent will serve as budget officer but he/she may delegate portions of this responsibility to members of his/her staff, as he/she deems appropriate. The three general areas of responsibility for the Superintendent as budget officer will be budget preparation, budget presentation, and budget administration.
Financial Accounting
Financial data in this report is represented by an account number from our MUNIS accounting system. The chart of accounts in constructed in accordance with the Governmental Accounting Standards Board’s (GASB) generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) ) which is the standard used by state and local governments in the United States. Additionally the account numbers reflect the reporting requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Cost Center Funding
Our accounting system is distributed across 18 cost centers and provides a basis for financial reporting and internal controls over budget oversight and transfer authorization.
Budgets for individual schools account for all salaries for employees assigned to that building as well as all operating costs, i.e. utilities and supplies. Employees who work in two or more cost centers, salaries are apportioned to the specific site.
Special Education cost center reflect district-wide expenses only, including administrative salaries and out of district tuition. Consultation and program fees for programs offered in individual schools are budgeted within this center. Salaries for special education staff assigned to schools are included in school budgets.
Maintenance cost center includes expenses for administering the districts capital budget and for the care and maintenance of our facilities and grounds. Building custodians are budgeted to their assigned school.
System Administration cost center budgets for districtwide expenses supporting the Superintendent to include funding for legal, finance and human resource support. Included within this cost center is funding for professional development, tuition reimbursement and a reserve for districtwide unanticipated expense.
Curriculum and Instruction includes a wide array of services and other support for instruction. Broad categories include curriculum development, professional development, technology data management, textbooks and instructional equipment.
