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Governance & Finance: Regulating and Funding Schools. The way your district uses money = quality of your professional life. Some politicians argue that money doesn’t matter What do you think??. Can you remember…. What is the difference between . School Districts .
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Governance & Finance: Regulating and Funding Schools The way your district uses money = quality of your professional life.
Some politicians argue that money doesn’t matter • What do you think??
Can you remember…. • What is the difference between
School Districts • Administrative unit within a state is defined by geographical boundaries & is legally responsible for the public education of children within those boundaries • Hire/Fire teachers • Determine curriculum • Instruction • Differ dramatically- number & size • Large or Small – both have disadvantages
Difference • What is the difference between a school and a school district? Correction: Test – Thursday, not Friday
Local School Board • Group of elected citizens responsible for setting policies that determine how a school district operates • District budget • Raising money through taxes • Buses/lunch programs/new schools/salary increases/health care • Personnel • Curriculum • Defining & implementing • Decisions, Decisions, Decisions • Dress code, extra curricular activities, out of state trips • Infrastructure
Members of the School Board • Elected members – by voters • 3 – 4 year terms • Voter turn out - low • Some may be appointed • Typical – male, white, older & wealthy – though now more diversity (45% women)
Superintendent • District’s head administrative officer • Along with staff implements policy • Leads the board & help set agendas • Hired by school boards • Women/minorities – underrepresented • Superintendent vs. School Board – School board wins • Political & public opinions • Pay – good
School Principal • Person given the ultimate administrative responsibility for a school’s operation • Greatest impact on your life as a teacher • Hires/fires teachers • Major role – establishing academic & work climate • Demographic profile – similar to school board • Classroom experience/master’s degree – most • Wide range responsibilities • Teachers selection & evaluation • Experienced teachers – principals = instructional leaders
Money is important in Education • Salary • Professional Development Opportunities • Resources
How are Schools Funded?? • State • Contributes the largest source of funding • Nearly ½ • Income & sales tax • Lottery – the more we get from here, the less we get from other sources • Different states = different funding • Local • Responsibility – local school board • Property taxes • California, 1978, Proposition 13- limited property taxes in the state
Federal • Smallest, most controversial source • Impact – considerable • Where the funds must be spent