SFOP 502 - School Finance and Budgeting

This course is designed to provide those who properly complete it with advanced knowledge of the issues and practices of school finance. The principal issues that are examined are why education is worthy of funding, who contributes to that funding, and in what proportions, and how the funding is raised in adequate amounts and equitably distributed. Current trends in school finance and what the future holds for education finance will also be examined.

The practice of school finance, particularly at the local level will also be studied. Topics include school and district funding. Budgeting practices and philosophies, financial planning, and principles of accounting, auditing, financial reporting, cash management and debt management will be reviewed at some length. Application of these principles and practices will be personalized through the written assignments to the state in which the student lives or plans to practice. Minimum Passing Grade: B-

3 credits
Fall and Spring