Description
Book SynopsisBuilding a strong relationship with the CFO is essential for superintendents seeking to build sustainable educational programs for all students. Benzel and Hoover use their CFO and superintendent experience to identify what future leaders in both roles need to know and be able to do with respect to fiscal leadership and improved student learning. This book examines how a focus on student achievement must be central to fiscal planning. The authors discuss the role values play in forming the leadership team, how to create a climate for success through collaborative strategies. They also examine ways to build systems strength to cope with uncertainty in fiscal planning.Using this leadership base, they outline the key management elements that must be in place to assure sound fiscal practices that monitor fiscal status and manage cash flow to mitigate uncertainty. Benchmarks for organizational success enhance communication with governing boards, internal audiences and taxpayers. This book p
Trade ReviewRecognizing that sound fiscal policy and communication is essential for superintendents who seek to set sustainable educational programs, Brian L. Benziel and Kenneth E. Hoover examine the processes of fostering a successful management team. The book offers advice on identifying and setting values, directing the business of learning, and creating a climate for continued success. The authors also explain how to establish sound fiscal practices to manage cash flow and mitigate uncertainty, and provide a detailed outline for developing an annual budget. * District Administration *
The Superintendent and CFO is a must read for school district leadership teams. While written to inform the Superintendent and the CFO of best practices for strategically leading a school district, the emphasis on creating a team of leaders with a shared vision for the hopes, dreams and aspirations makes this a compelling read for the entire leadership team. Kudos to Brian and Ken for sharing their well earned wisdom! -- Dr. Jack Dale, retired superintendent of Fairfax County (VA) and Fredrick County (MD) Public Schools
This book by two experienced and brilliant school finance and superintendent practitioners is a must read for every school district superintendent and their finance chief. And it should probably be required reading in every education graduate school in Washington and around the country. -- Ronn Robinson, principal, Geoduck Education Consulting and former advisor to Governor Booth Gardner, State of Washington
If you are a superintendent or CFO focused on improving outcomes for all students, then this book is a must read. Being strategic regarding resource allocation is one of the greatest challenges faced by educational leaders today. Benzel and Hoover do a masterful job giving real-life suggestions based upon their many years leading school districts. -- Greg Baker, superintendent, Bellingham (WA) Public Schools
This book is a remarkable tool for collaboration toward district effectiveness, whether the superintendent or finance director is new to their role, or if they are joining to create a new team. -- Matt Handelman, superintendent, Coeur d’Alene (ID) School District
Table of ContentsForeword Preface Introduction Acknowledgements Part I: Leading the Business of Learning Chapter 1 Student Achievement is Paramount Chapter 2 Values Trump Skills Chapter 3 Create the Climate Chapter 4 Collaborate for Success Chapter 5 Build Systems Strength Part II: Managing the Business of Learning Chapter 6 Manage Uncertainty Chapter 7 Know Your Status Chapter 8 Cash is King Chapter 9 Benchmark for Improvement Chapter 10 Consistent Communication Part III: Bringing it all Together Chapter 11 Knowing What To Do and When To Do It Bibliography Glossary of Fiscal Terms About the Authors
