School-wide Budget 1

School-wide Budget

LaShondra Evans

Grand Canyon University: EAD 510-0501

December 2, 2020
School-wide Budget 2

Managing a campus budget can be very complicated because of all the intricate details of
the coding, purchase orders, etc. As a campus leader, it is very important to use the budget to
support the campus improvement plan along with the school’s mission and vision. In my school
district, code 199 is the general fund. This is the money that schools receive from taxes that is
designated from the school board. As I analyzed the data from last year to this year, I became
aware of how the pandemic has affected the general fund. We have less students enrolled because
parents are deciding to keep students enrolled in online schools or private schools in fear that
public schools will be too crowded to avoid Covid 19. Within the general fund, the general
supplies and materials category is where most of the general funds are distributed. This category
is so broad, it is easily usable to support the campus improvement plan. I would prioritize
reading programs that promote literacy, instructional resources for teachers along with math
manipulatives and programs. There is a part of the general fund that is used specifically for the
gifted and talented and special needs programs. This also sets a priority that all students are
accounted for when it comes to the needs of each student’s learning. I would also make sure that
some of the funds go to in school tutoring. This is very important to me because it’s something
that we do on my campus and I see the results. The results are definitely worth the investment.
The in school tutoring doesn’t take students out of their core classes for remediation. Instead,
there is built in time during the school day to bridge any gaps or enrich learning for each student
dependent on the needs of that student. Part of the budget for the in school tutoring can require
outside tutors to work along with the teachers.
Grants are another means of survival for a school. Last year, my campus received
$13,813 in grant money. So far this year we have not received any grant money. One grant that
my campus does receive is under code 289, which is different from general grants. This is a
federally funded grant for an after school program that we call ACE. We have a contract for 3
years for this program which gives our campus $47,991 each year. This is definitely a priority to
me because it allows a safe place for our students to finish their homework and enjoy different
recreational clubs. As a campus administrator, I would definitely apply for this grant again once
the contract is up.
Budgets are a critical piece in making sure the campus is functioning at its highest
capacity. Comparing budgets has given me insight on the effects that a decreasing budget can
have on making sure the needs of the campus are met. My goal as an administrator will always to
focus on making sure the budget fulfills the needs of the campus improvement plan.