EDL 636 - Public School Finance by Samuel Johnson

Week 1: Explain why education administrators need to be prepared for change and adaptation in addressing the funding of public education

samueljohnson36 — 2025-04-20 23:04:30 UTC

Funding public education is complicated and always changing, so school administrators must be prepared to adapt. Budgets can shift quickly depending on government policies, the economy, and local priorities. One year might bring more support, while the next could mean major cuts, putting schools in a tough position. Smaller or rural districts often face even more pressure, especially if their communities don’t fully support areas like staffing, infrastructure, or extracurricular programs. On top of that, there’s the ongoing issue of inequality! Schools in wealthier areas tend to have more resources, while lower-income schools often get left behind. To fix this, education leaders have to be strategic and work to make funding more fair across the board. As student needs evolve with technology and changing demographics, leaders have to stay creative and flexible in how they allocate funds. This might mean applying for grants, building partnerships, or getting the community involved to help cover funding gaps. Reviewed and updated policies at both the state and local levels are crucial in helping all students get equal opportunities. At the end of the day, administrators need to stay informed and ready to tackle financial challenges so schools can keep delivering quality education to every student.

Week 2: Explain why equity in education is so complex in New York. If you could design your own school in New York, how would you spend/allocate to promote equity?

samueljohnson36 — 2025-04-20 23:04:30 UTC

Equity in education is a complex issue, and growing up in New York’s school system opened my eyes to the differences between schools. It’s not just about race or culture, but that there’s a big gap when it comes to money and resources. Some schools have everything they need: new technology, updated buildings, and small class sizes. Others, especially in low-income areas, are stuck with outdated materials, crowded classrooms, and limited support. The issue goes beyond just funding. Things like language barriers, trauma, and lack of access to mental health support also affect how students do in school. Even though there are laws and rulings meant to level the playing field, that funding doesn’t always reach the schools that need it most, leaving them stuck in a cycle of disadvantage. If I had the chance to design a more equitable school, I’d focus on training teachers to handle diverse classrooms with cultural awareness and trauma-informed strategies. I’d make sure every student had access to technology, mental health services, and real-world opportunities through mentorship and after-school programs. These changes can make a huge difference but without consistent targeted funding, it’s hard for schools to break free from the struggles they face. Equity takes effort, planning, and real investment.

Week 3: Describe a new school that you want to start and the programs you want to feature? Explain where you plan to get that funding?

samueljohnson36 — 2025-04-20 23:04:30 UTC

I’ve always dreamed of starting a school that blends creativity, critical thinking, and community, with a strong focus on the arts and music. I want it to be a hands-on, engaging environment where students work on real-world projects and develop practical skills for the future. Music would play a huge role, not just in performance, but in areas like composition, production, and sound engineering. I believe music helps students grow emotionally, socially, and creatively. By integrating the arts with subjects like technology and environmental studies, students can express themselves in unique ways and learn to think outside the box. Of course, funding would be a big hurdle. I’d start by applying for grants and looking for support from organizations that back innovative schools, especially in under-resourced areas. Coming from a low-income background, I understand how important access to these opportunities is. I’m thankful my school district supported me when my own family couldn’t. I’d also build strong partnerships with local businesses, artists, and community groups to offer students real experiences and mentorship. My goal isn’t just to build a school, my goal is to create a space where students can find their voice, follow their passions, and feel empowered to make a difference in society.

Week 4: Describe how Special Education funding is distributed

samueljohnson36 — 2025-04-20 23:04:30 UTC

Special Education funding in the U.S. comes from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, but the support often falls short of what’s needed. The federal government helps through IDEA, which requires schools to provide free and appropriate education for students with disabilities. However, the funding promised under IDEA has rarely been fully delivered, so states and local districts are left to cover the rest. The federal money is distributed using a formula that looks at how many students with disabilities are in each state and what the services cost, but it still doesn’t meet the full demand. States handle their Special Education funding differently based on their budgets, policies, and resources. Some can give more support, while others struggle to provide even basic services. This creates uneven access to Special Education depending on where a student lives. At the local level, most school funding comes from property taxes. Wealthier areas can raise more money, giving students better resources and support, while poorer districts often don’t have enough to meet all student needs. Because of this, the quality of Special Education can vary a lot across the country, making it harder for students in low-income areas to get the same level of support as those in wealthier communities.

Week 5: Describe the pros and cons of school choice

samueljohnson36 — 2025-04-20 23:04:30 UTC

School choice, especially through charter schools, brings both opportunities and challenges to the education system. In places like New York, leaders are pushing to expand charter schools to give families more options, especially in areas where public schools are underperforming. For many families, charter schools offer a chance to find a better fit for their child’s needs and improve their educational experience. These schools also have more flexibility to try out new teaching methods and programs, which can push public schools to step up their game too. However, there are real concerns that come with expanding school choice, and one of the biggest issues is funding. charter schools often pull money from public schools, which can leave them even more underfunded, especially in low-income areas. This can hurt students who don’t have access to charter schools, making the system feel even more unequal. Charter schools also tend to have long waitlists, meaning not every student who wants to attend can actually get in. Critics worry that they mostly benefit more affluent families, while students from disadvantaged backgrounds get left behind in already struggling public schools. While school choice has potential benefits, it also raises serious questions about fairness, funding, and making sure every student has equal access to quality education.

Week 6: Reflect on the significance of facilities budgeting, why do we need to know this?

samueljohnson36 — 2025-04-20 23:04:30 UTC

Facilities budgeting is crucial for anyone in education, especially if you’re aiming for an administrative role. As a teacher, having a safe and functional classroom is important, but as an administrator, the focus shifts to ensuring the whole school is well-maintained. This includes managing repairs, upgrading technology, and making sure the building is comfortable and safe for everyone. If schools don’t have enough money to take care of these needs, the learning environment can suffer. Administrators must make smart decisions about where to allocate funds, aiming for long-term solutions that create sustainable, well-functioning spaces for students and staff. A key challenge is how facility improvements impact property taxes. Since many schools rely on local taxes, major upgrades could lead to higher taxes for the community, which might be difficult for some families to afford. As an administrator, it’s important to communicate the need for these improvements and get the community on board with the potential increase in taxes. Ultimately, managing a school’s facilities budget is about balancing the need for a quality learning environment with the financial impact on the community, ensuring that funds are used wisely for the benefit of the students.

Week 7: Reflect on the process of handling purchasing and cash receipts? Why is it important for school leaders to learn this?

samueljohnson36 — 2025-04-20 23:04:30 UTC

Handling purchasing and cash receipts is a behind-the-scenes task that’s crucial for keeping schools running smoothly. As a music teacher, I’ve learned that it’s not just about getting the right materials, like instruments or sheet music, but also about managing the process correctly. School leaders, such as principals or department heads, need to understand these processes because they directly impact the school’s finances, resources, and reputation. One tool that helps streamline purchasing is the use of P-Cards (Procurement Cards). These cards let staff make small purchases directly, without waiting for approval through the traditional process. This speeds things up but requires careful tracking to ensure we stay within budget and use funds wisely. Additionally, there’s a formal purchasing process that must be followed to stay compliant with regulations. This includes rules about who can make purchases, how to receive and inspect goods, and how to handle cash receipts. School leaders must be familiar with this process to prevent mistakes or misuse of funds, which could lead to budget problems or legal issues. In the end, understanding how to handle purchasing and cash receipts is essential for maintaining financial stability, accountability, and transparency, ensuring that schools provide the best resources and experiences for students.

Week 8: Reflect on the importance of HR & Finance in the success of an organization

samueljohnson36 — 2025-04-20 23:04:30 UTC

HR and finance are critical to the success of any school, playing a key role in supporting the staff and creating a positive learning environment. HR is responsible for attracting and retaining the right people, from teachers to support staff, and offering good employee benefits like health insurance, paid leave, and retirement plans. These benefits help keep staff motivated and reduce turnover, which is important for maintaining a stable and effective learning environment. Finance is just as important, particularly when it comes to budgeting. A well-managed budget ensures that staff are paid fairly and that the school has the necessary resources, such as classroom materials and technology, to function smoothly. Poor financial management can negatively impact everything from teacher salaries to the availability of resources for students. By offering competitive salaries and benefits, schools can attract and keep good teachers, which is essential in an environment where funding is often limited. HR and finance are not just administrative tasks; they are essential for creating a supportive work environment and ensuring the best possible educational experience for students. When both are handled well, they provide the foundation for a successful and thriving school. "In HR We Trust."

Week 9: Reflect on the importance of audits and how we can best prepare for them.

samueljohnson36 — 2025-04-20 23:04:31 UTC

Audits are essential for ensuring that school districts run efficiently and transparently. They help verify that resources, from department budgets to event planning, are used properly and in compliance with legal requirements. While I don't manage finances directly, understanding how resources are tracked in my department is crucial. For example, keeping detailed records of equipment purchases, like instruments, and event costs ensures everything can be verified during an audit. Audits evaluate not only financial accuracy but also how well resources are managed, so having strong internal controls is key to a smooth process. Preparation for audits involves clear communication, especially when tracking donations or event funding. Regularly reviewing internal controls helps spot potential problems before the audit. Engaging staff in this process ensures everyone understands how to handle and report resources. A culture of transparency also plays a vital role within public school finance, prioritizing honesty and integrity makes audits less stressful and helps improve financial operations. While audits may seem burdensome, they ultimately help ensure that resources are used effectively and that schools provide the best education possible. By staying organized and prepared, teachers and administrators can contribute to successful audits and the efficient management of funds.

Week 10: Discuss whether or not a public school is a business. Will the way you lead be impacted by your view of school as a business or public service?

samueljohnson36 — 2025-04-20 23:04:31 UTC

While public schools are not businesses, they share operational similarities, especially when it comes to financial planning, budgeting, and accountability. Schools must operate within strict guidelines and focus on providing equitable education rather than generating profit. The decisions made in schools, like advocating for funding for programs, are driven by what will benefit students, not financial gain. For example, as a music teacher, I've had to demonstrate how funding impacts student growth and engagement rather than focusing on profitability. With that being said, schools still need effective management, much like businesses. The role of a school business manager, for example, includes overseeing budgets and operations, which parallels the role of a corporate CFO, Chief Financial Officer. This understanding has influenced how I lead, making me more data-driven and mindful of financial sustainability. I balance the core mission of providing equitable education with the need for firm and reliable financial practices to ensure the school can meet its goals. Empowering department heads to manage their budgets can increase efficiency and morale, and this experience has solidified my belief that leadership in schools requires a blend of service-oriented values and effective financial management. I am excited to tackle the challenge of education while improving myself as a leader