I must say that I have benefitted from this course more than the others as it was probably one of my largest need areas. Prior to this, the extent of my budget experience was limited to spending and maintaining Function 36 in a previous district.
The pre and post assessment was excellent and provided me with both a measuring stick, and an affirmation of progress. Comparing the two, it is easy to see growth in my comfort level. The one component to reference from the above assessment is: establish district procedures for accurate, effective, ethical purchasing and financial record keeping and reporting. It is my lone “I.” I need to research it some to feel comfortable. Strengths included working collaboratively with stakeholders to develop a working budget, and prioritizing both time and assets towards goals.
The interviews were great as well. The professors bring a wealth of practical knowledge from public education. It is important that they are uniquely tied in to current topics and issues- most especially in finance.
I learned a tremendous amount about how districts are funded through local taxes, as well as state and federal funding. I have a clear understanding of WADA and its intended efforts to fund higher need districts. Assignments that explained M & O and Interest and Sinking Funds were beneficial as well.
In all, the course has been amazingly challenging and time-consuming (but well worth it). In all honesty, If I could reflectively be critical of a component, it would be the whole wikigroup concept. I completely understand, agree with, and appreciate the collaborative position of the course. But with all our busy schedules and coursework habits, it is difficult to work through consensus statements due to time issues. Some members work through the week. Others like to crank assignments out early, while still others are unable to get to it until the last weekend. Again, with that be said, I appreciate it as it is the only way to have correspondence in this set-up without face to face contact. I only wish it was scaled back a bit.
This particular course is one I will draw from on a very regular basis should I move into an upper administrative position. Even at the campus level, understanding and emphasizing a goal driven budget is essential. This course taught me how important that was. More than anything else, now I can talk budget a little. It helps out considerably when you attend board meetings or budget workshops.
1 comment:
good job.....i agree that it has been challenging and time consuming. I hope I learned enough.
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