Planning to Meet the Challenges of Financial Difficulties: How Atlanta Public School Districts Operate

• In Event: How Administrators and Teacher Leaders Manage Educational Challenges of Teaching Diverse Student Populations

Abstract

School districts nationwide have to address their financial problems when economy is in difficulty. This study examines the financial practices of the school districts in metro-Atlanta area to understand how they operate to meet with the challenges. Personal interviews were held with financial officers of six participating school districts. A researcher-developed questionnaire was used to solicit data in four areas of school finance: budgeting, cash management, auditing and financial forecast. Findings of the study indicate that school districts monitor their current budget carefully by working closely with state and local tax commissioners. Districts strictly control their expenditures and trim their current budget with priority. Additionally, they worked with site administrators to ensure their full compliance of the financial procedures.

Authors

• Tak C. Chan, Kennesaw State University

• Robert C. Morris, The University of West Georgia