Understanding TEA Budgeting Guidelines

In our previous exercise we discussed and determined and five important dates that districts observe during the budgeting process.  I spend a significant amount of time outlining the specific, state-mandated events, while some stressed their own internal, district-mandated events.  The assignment did not specify, thus allowing for both approaches.  During the activity, I utilized the TEA Budgeting Guidelines as well as the Texas Education Code (TEC) to formulate my answers.

• The activity will help me in my future as a District Administrator in that I became aware of the legal requirements for public school budgets in Texas.  Specific requirements and definitions include:

• The superintendent is the budget officer for the district and is responsible for Preparing and submitting to the Board a proposed budget as well as administering the budget;

• The district budget must be approved by a date set by the state board of education, currently August 31 (June 30 if the district uses a July 1 FY start date). Likewise, the district budget must be prepared by August 20 (June 19 if the district uses a July 1 fiscal year start date);

• The Board of trustees must call a public meeting of the board of trustees, no fewer than 10 days and no more than 30 days prior to its approval. Any taxpayer in the district may be present and participate in the meeting; and

• Each district must file its budget with by the date prescribed in the annual system guidelines and set by the State Board of Education (SBOE).

My previous knowledge level was limited by my understanding of the legal requirements of the budgeting process.  I knew that, on the local level, deadlines were set and steps were taken to ensure the budget was prepared prior to the beginning of a new school year.  After working through this activity, I now better understand that all district activities are in response to state-mandated steps and deadlines.