Description
Book SynopsisMaking Sense of School Finance: A Practical State-by-State Approach thoroughly and clearly describes complex school finance concepts regarding local, state, and federal revenue along with authentic accounting processes in a straightforward manner for public, nonpublic, and charter school leaders. This logically organized resource delivers content on a specific state basis in succinct, easy-to-follow chapters that uniquely applies to each reader's actual situation and location. Figures for each state funding model with real allocations, by example, illustrate respective funding model formulas, and the numerous tables in the text differentiate substance by jurisdiction (states and the District of Columbia). Practical subject matter to increase and acquire additional funding in this book that includes private and public grant application writing is vital reading for aspiring and practicing school officials. Above all, this text expands the reader's comprehension of school finance topics b
Trade ReviewOver the past 26 years, I have led our local teacher’s union, and I have negotiated multiple contracts. These negotiations involved many aspects of school finance that I did not understand to the fullest extent. Countless times, I have questioned the accuracy of the district’s treasurer; I have been unsure whether his or her answers were accurate, or if he or she was simply unable to articulate the answers. My curiosity and determination to find truth lead to my enrollment in a graduate program.
While in the graduate program at Franciscan University of Steubenville, I had the opportunity to take several classes taught by Dr. Clinton Born, the author of Making Sense of School Finance: State-by-State Fundamentals for District Revenue. Dr. Clinton Born’s classes were very specific and informative. He made complex topics easy to understand by providing real-life applications using a “no nonsense approach.” Dr. Born taught in concise, intelligent, and transparent approach, and his book is no exception. In one easy-to-read source, Dr. Born covers all aspects of school finance revenue and accounting, while also exploring the funding programs in multiple states. There is no longer a need to consult multiple sources to find the answers to school finance questions in various states.
Many authors talk the talk, but few have walked the walk. I believe because of his noted career in education and the quality of his research, Dr. Clinton Born is an expert in this field. I can honestly say this book will be the centerpiece of my professional library, and I urge all aspiring school administrators and practicing school employees to do the same. -- Christopher Barto, Dean of Students, Carrollton Elementary School, Carrollton Exempted Village School District, Carrollton, OH
Dr. Clint Born is a pioneer in the field of school finance and budgeting. His knowledge and expertise in many of these unchartered topics is vast and unparalleled. His book, Making Sense of School Finance: State-by-State Fundamentals for District Revenue, unravels the complexity of school finance on a specific state basis for public, nonpublic, and public charter school into clear, concise chapters that are easy to follow and understand. Aspiring superintendents, principals, and treasurers along with practicing school administrators will find this book an invaluable resource when acquiring and allocating school finances. This is the first book of its kind with specific state references, and Dr. Clint Born explains every facet of what both new and seasoned administrators should know in school finance revenue and accounting procedures. This book truly makes sense out of cents! -- Wendy Hanasky, Co-owner, ACE Digital Academy
Making Sense of School Finance: State-by-State Fundamentals for District Revenue is a true universal text and a must study for all aspiring and current school administrators. Dr. Clinton Born has written an incredible resource that provides an in-depth account of the important differences in the public school funding models used in each of the 50 states. Additionally, funding for each federal entitlement program as well as the information on nonpublic and public charter schools funding was valuable. The text is easy to read, in logical sequence, while challenging readers to make their own comparisons and develop their own conclusions. Data charts are provided in each chapter and authentic exhibits are available in the appendix, which serve as clear supplements to the reading. -- John Poilek, principal, Shadyside local high school, Shadyside, OH
Having recently completed Dr. Born’s School Finance class, I found that Making Sense of School Finance:State-by-State Fundamentals for District Revenue complemented the course’s Learning Sessions and Performance Tasks. The unpublished text along with the course materials prepared me well for the weekly quizzes and other assignments. The text provides numerous pieces of data and charts to analyze information visually. It is a great, easy-to-read, reference tool for novice and tenured school administrators. -- Kayla DiMarzio, chemistry/physics teacher and aspiring school administrator, Steubenville High School, Steubenville, Ohio
Making Sense of School Finance: A Practical State-by-State Approach is a text that every school administrator—both central office and building-level administrators—in America should read! Dr. Born provides an in-depth understanding of School Finance that is applicable to all 50 states. This text is a one-stop-shop for anyone wanting to have a better grasp of how school finance works. The book provides real-world examples in a straightforward and uncomplicated fashion. This text is an excellent tool to understand the ins and out of budgeting, revenue, and accounting at the local, state, and federal levels for school districts. -- Stephanie Duffy-Zimmer, director of technology and assessment, Brooke County Schools, Wellsburg, WV
As a new parochial school principal, Making Sense of School Finance:State-by-State Fundamentals for District Revenue offers a wonderful reference for nonpublic as well as public school finance. Most often, textbooks are geared toward public schools with limited mention of nonpublic or public charter schools. To see the inclusion of nonpublic and public charter school information in Dr. Born’s text is refreshing because all education students in the university setting are not destined to work in a public school. As one of Dr. Born’s students, I found that he makes a great effort to reference the nonpublic arena. Franciscan University of Steubenville University of Steubenville, where Dr. Born teaches, is a Catholic university, so it was no surprise that he included this material in a book for aspiring administrators. I am sure that I will reference this book as I move through my administrative career. -- Theresa A. Young, principal, St. Mary Central School, Martins Ferry, OH
Making Sense of School Finance:State-by-State Fundamentals for District Revenue is a comprehensive resource for educational leaders. This book provides practical ideas on how to steward a school district’s financial resources. Dr. Born begins each chapter with an overview of the understanding the reader should have by the end of the chapter. Further, Dr. Born facilitates the process of moving the reader beyond knowledge acquisition and into knowledge application by ending each chapter with projects and scenarios for discussion with colleagues.
Making Sense of School Finance:State-by-State Fundamentals for District Revenue is chock-full of straightforward advice on a much-needed topic. I urge every CFO, Superintendent, Director of Special Education and Human Resources Director in the field of education to read this book and work through the projects at the end of each chapter. Applying the principles learned in this book is a sure-fire way to set your district up for a strong financial future. -- Leslie Scott, Human Resources director for SKC, Inc., former HR director for Pressley Ridge and Propel Schools, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. American School Finance Background
Public Education–Big Business
The Fiscal Players
Ethical Considerations
Summary
Projects
Chapter 2. Local Revenue
Property Tax
Property Classification
Property Valuation and Assessment Ratio
Appraisal and Reappraisal
Millage Rate
Referendums
Property Tax Relief Programs
Property Tax Bill
Sales Surtax
Income Surtax
Supplementary Taxes
Nontax Revenue
Funding for Nonpublic and Public Charter Schools
Nonpublic Schools
Public Charter Schools
Summary
Projects
Chapter 3. State Revenue
Budget Process
Funding Descriptions by Jurisdiction
Basic Aid Funding Distribution Models
Flat Grant Model
Full Funding Model
Foundation Model
Power Equalization Model
Hybrid Funding Model
Categorical Aid
Special Education Funding
Funding Beyond Basic and Categorical Aid
Funding for Nonpublic and Public Charter Schools
Nonpublic Schools
Public Charter Schools
Summary
Projects
Chapter 4. Federal Revenue
Budget Process
Entitlement Grants
Title I
Title II
Title III
Title IV
Title V
Title VI
Title VII
Title IX
Education of School-Aged Children with Disabilities Grant, Part B
School Meal Programs
Career and Technical Education Program
E-Rate Program
School-Based Medicaid Program
Competitive Grants
Funding for Nonpublic and Public Charter Schools
Nonpublic Schools
Public Charter Schools
Private Funding Sources
Step 1 – Planning and Searching
Step 2 – Writing and Submitting the Proposal
Step 3 – Completing Follow-up Activities
Summary
Projects
Chapter 5. Accounting Services
Fund Accounting
Forecasts
Budgets
Appropriations
Audits
Summary
Projects
Appendices
References
Index
About the Author
