Basics of School Budgeting and Finance

What do Superintendents and Business Managers need to know about the budget process to effectively manage district programs, avoid a fiscal crisis, and exercise fiscal responsibility?
 
Understanding how federal, state, and local funds fit together within a school entity’s budget is the combined responsibility of the Superintendent and Business Manager. PASBO and PASA are pleased to offer this workshop series to develop a deeper understanding of key components of the budget plan and the specific roles of Superintendents, Business Managers, and members of the School Board to ensure a healthy and viable budget. 
 
Superintendents, Business Managers, and other District-level administrators with the district budget responsibilities are encouraged to attend as a district team. Also, consider bringing a member of the School Board to increase their understanding of how the process works.
 
PASBO and PASA will offer three components of this series in three different regions of the Commonwealth. The core workshops include the following:
 
• Part I: Understanding the Basic Education Formula (BEF)
• Part 2: Federal Programs and Special Education Funding
• Part 3: Developing and Maintaining a Balanced Budget

Best value: Register now for the full series. 


Note: If you need to attend a session out of your region (Central-Harrisburg; East-Malvern or West-Pittsburgh), please contact Aubrey Kyler, PASA's Professional Development Administrative Assistant. 
 
SCHEDULE OF REGIONAL IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS:
 
Part 1: Understanding the Basic Education Formula (BEF) – Full-Day Workshop
Description: Understanding the mechanics of the BEF formula, including all student and district weights, articulating the “share” concept behind the BEF formula, and appreciating the cumulative impact of the formula and what happens when more or less state funding is added.

Identifying, understanding, and explaining the trends behind each school district’s weighted student count and what it means for future BEF subsidy and state revenue.

Learning how to explain the BEF formula and its impact on your school district to your board and community; communicating your formula metrics and future formula metrics in an easy-to-understand manner.
 
When and Where: 
Central PATTAN                       
6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA                      
Tuesday, October 4
Register now. 

East PATTAN               
333 Technology Drive, Malvern, PA       
Wednesday, October 5
​Register now. 

West PATTAN              
3190 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA   
Tuesday, October 11
​Register now. 

Part 2: Federal Programs and Special Education Funding – Half-Day Workshop
Description:
Federal Funds come with their own set of rules and reporting requirements. A basic understanding of the parameters surrounding federal funding (ESSER, IDEA, Title 1, etc.) and reporting will be presented, including techniques on how to effectively embed the use of federal funds in your district’s overall budget.

Special Education Funds include Federal IDEA funds and state Special Education subsidies. A basic understanding of the formulas (including the state SEF formula and Act 16 reporting), appropriate uses for each type of funding, and specific reporting requirements will be discussed.
 
When and Where:
Central PATTAN                      
6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA          
Monday, November 28
​Register now. 

East  PATTAN              
333 Technology Drive, Malvern, PA       
Tuesday, November 29
​Register now. 

West PATTAN              
3190 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA   
Tuesday, December 6
​Register now. 
 
Part 3: Developing and Maintaining a Balanced Budget – Full-Day Workshop
Description:
Developing a balanced budget: Estimating local, state, and federal revenues, determining local tax rates, and controlling district expenditures

Roles and Responsibilities: Superintendent, Business Manager, Board of Directors
Understanding the purpose and uses of various types of fund balances and reserves
 
When and Where:
Central PATTAN                      
6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA          
Tuesday, January 24
​Register now. 

East PATTAN              
333 Technology Drive, Malvern, PA       
Wednesday, January 25
​Register now. 

West PATTAN              
3190 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA   
Tuesday, January 31
​Register now. 
 
SERIES SCHEDULE:
Full-day workshop:
Check-in at 8:30 a.m.
Program begins at 9 a.m.
Program concludes at approximately 3:30 p.m.
Includes continental breakfast and lunch
 
Half-day workshop:
Check-in and lunch at noon.
Program begins at 12:30 p.m.
Program concludes at approximately 3:30 p.m.
Includes lunch
 
 
Registration information:
PASA and PASBO MEMBERS:
Single Full-Day Program: $150
Single Half-Day Program: $75
Best value: Full Series (3 Workshops): $325
 
NON-MEMBERS:
Single Full-Day Program: $200
Single Half-Day Program: $100
Best value: Full Series (3 Workshops): $450

Join PASA (superintendents) and PASBO (business managers) as a member and enjoy membership prices and benefits!