Monday, November 14, 2011

Budget and Funding

After our last cohort meeting on funding, it is nice to connect what we learned there to our school site.  I definitely learned a lot meeting with my principal.  The only experience I have with site funding is through being a part of School Site Council.   I know that categorical funding is more difficult to spend because there are specific guidelines and protocols to follow.  For this reason it is important to spend categorical funds prior to tapping into site funds.
There is definitely a lot more I need to learn about budget and funding.  My list of things (as a future administrator) to learn is certainly growing...

Sunday, November 6, 2011

November Face-to-Face

First off I want to say, "Yay! We had our last class meeting for our Masters.". :)

Friday night I was hit with a bit of reality.  There are so many things to consider when in an administrative position.  We constantly hear about the importance of being visible and an instructional leader at the school site, but we also must follow the guidelines/protocols of being a site leader.  It is crucial to be comply with paperwork procedures and to keep accurate documentation.  One of the most important duties of being a site leader is building capacity through hiring well and supporting existing staff.

That night we also had the opportunity to interact with peers through participating in listening activities.  I thought that it was difficult to listen quietly and not provide input.  At times it was awkward because we were unsure when to start talking or when to stop talking.  I guess I am use to look for affirmation when talking.

Saturday was a day full of school finance.  It is so important to know all the funding codes and be able to distinguish what could be used/purchased from what codes.  Dr. Bradley did a thorough job in explain all the details of school finance.  I just hope that I remember all this when I need it.  December 15th is just around the corner and I hope that the "trigger" won't be pulled.  I am not sure what schools will do if it does...