FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT
This chapter reviews the financial and operational management of Westphalia Independent School District (WISD) in the following sections:
For school districts, sound financial management means providing for the effective use of limited resources available for instructional programs and support services to achieve the goal of student achievement. This includes maximizing the amount of resources available from all sources to provide for the school district's needs. School districts must account for the use of resources accurately as they are accountable to the taxpayers, state government and federal government for the use of funds received from those sources. The accounting process must provide safeguards to reduce the risk of loss of assets and ensure appropriate use of assets in the form of internal controls appropriate to the district's organizational structure. Timely, accurate and useful reports concerning the financial condition of the district for the board and administration are key to effective financial management. Financial management also includes planning and budgeting, external auditing and tax collections.
An effective asset and risk management program is a key component of financial and operational management and provides assurance that the district is adequately protected against significant losses in the most efficient manner. Effective cash management collects district funds in a timely manner and invests them in instruments with maximum earning potential. Fixed asset management keeps track of district property and provides safeguards against theft and obsolescence.
Purchasing is another component of financial and operational management and provides for the identification and purchase of supplies, equipment and services needed by the district. Purchasing must ensure that the goods and services obtained by the district meet the specifications of the users, at the lowest possible cost, and within state laws and regulations. School districts may enter into cooperative purchasing agreements with other governmental entities to consolidate buying power and attain the lowest possible price.
Facility planning and management ensures construction and renovation projects are completed in a timely manner and provide adequate facilities for instruction. Facilities also must be maintained and cleaned on a routine basis to ensure a safe and healthy environment for students, teachers and staff.
An effective school food service program provides students with nutritionally balanced, appealing and reasonably priced meals served in a safe, clean and accessible environment. Successful school food service programs achieve customer satisfaction and contain costs while complying with applicable federal, state and local board regulations and policies.
Effective financial and operational management is crucial for school districts to fulfill their primary purpose of providing a free and appropriate education for all students in the district.
BACKGROUND
The superintendent of WISD acts as the business manager for the district, supervising the financial and operational functions in WISD. Two clerks in the administrative office support the superintendent with the district's daily operations. The district has two custodians, one full-time and one part-time, to care for the buildings and grounds. The district employs a cook to prepare and serve meals for the district's students and staff. Exhibit 3-1 presents the organization of these functions in WISD.
Exhibit 3-1 Source: WISD superintendent.
WISD Financial and Operational Management Organization
November 2002
