Navigating the Journey in Budgeting

As local governments, school districts are charged with educating students so that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to be productive members of society as future adults. This goal is accomplished by providing an array of instructional and related services. To ensure that adequate resources are available for these services, a financial plan, or budget, must be in place. This book offers a roadmap for developing a school district budget, breaking an otherwise complex process down into a series of manageable steps. After going over general budgeting applications, concepts and techniques and providing a background in school district operations and finances, the book lays out a set of recommended procedures to take the budget from inception to completion. The book is intended for use by school business administrators, superintendents, school boards, and other school leaders as well as college students pursuing careers in public administration, business administration, or finance.

Navigating the Journey in Budgeting should be a "must have" reference book for every new Public School Business Manager especially those who may not have experience working in a public or nonprofit organization. Mr. Ursu explains clearly and in detail the components that must be considered when creating an annual budget and offers sound recommendations for procuring information for present and future planning. Each chapter is appropriately titled so that information about specific areas of the budget can be easily located. This book would also be of considerable value to school administrators responsible for departmental budgets, since it provides an excellent overview of the school budgeting process.--Mary S. Hoffman, Retired School Business Administrator; Riverside Beaver County School District, Navigating the Journey in Budgeting: Major Steps in Making a Complex Subject Manageable is the perfect resource for educational leaders that provides an overview of school operations and budgeting. This book simplifies the process into six stages that is easy to follow and will greatly benefit your organization.--Scott Miller, PhD, Principal, Avonworth Primary Center, Avonworth School District, The book offers a comprehensive dissection of a school district budget in PA. With his vast experience and keen insight Chris Ursu ensures it's an excellent resource on budgeting for both veteran and new entrants to school business. Makes an interesting guide for other stakeholders in the budgeting process such as the school board and the community as well.--Hamsini Rajgopal, Director of Finance and Business Operations; Chair, Equity Committee, PASBO; Allegheny Valley School District

Christopher Ursu has been employed as a school district business official for 13 years and previously worked as a finance director at a nonprofit organization and adjunct faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh College of Business Administration. He is a member of the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International and the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO) and has had articles published by both organizations.