Week 3 Discussion – School Accounting Policy

You have just accepted the principalship of a large public school. You learn early on that the sixth grade teachers sell popcorn every Friday to raise money for the sixth grade trip. When you ask who is responsible for depositing the money, you find out that one of the teachers has an account at her bank and she is taking care of the money. When you question this in regard to the district’s accounting policies, you are told that if this money is put through the general fund (as is specified by the district), the money will not be there when they get ready for their spring trip. What will be your response, in light of the fact that the “state offices of education and the local school districts have a fiduciary responsibility to make expenditures and keep financial records in accordance with legally-approved budgets” (text, p. 131).

Based on the chapter in the text, and the fact that you as the administrator are charged with protecting school funds (p. 145) and general principles that “may be applied to form the basis for an adequate and effective accounting system in every school” (p.133), respond to the following questions:

• What would you tell the sixth grade teachers in this scenario?
• Why is it necessary to have this conversation?

Your initial responses are due by 11:55 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday and should be between 200-250 words. The initial posting should be a statement of your point of view on the question, supported by the required readings.

(Please note that while I have not purchased the book/readings I am listing the required course material.  I will be uploading sample DQ answers to this post next couple of days as others post their answers and these answers can be reworded to make another original answer. Or if you have access to text and readings listed or you are just an expert on school finance, this DQ may be for you. And of course if you place your bid and bid is accepted and you have questions, please feel free to reach out thanks. I just don’t want to buy the book.)

Required Text and Materials

Webb, L. Dean and Norton, M. Scott (2013). “Human Resources Administration: Personnel Issues and Needs in Education.”  (6th Edition). Pearson.
ISBN-13: 978-0-13-267809-4

Brimley Vern, Jr., Verstegen, Deborah A., Garfield ,Rulon R. (2015). “Financing Education in a Climate of Change.”  (12th Edition).  Pearson.
ISBN-13: 978-0-13-391978-3