Identify the portion of your district budget that is for the major functions: instruction, instructional support, administration (school and district), pupil support, and so on. Make sure the budget numbers include all sources of revenues—local, state, and federal—but exclude capital outlays. Do the percentages spent on the various functions in your district match the averages discussed in this book? If not, where are there differences, and what do you think are the causes? (If you can’t find your district budget, use the budget for another district, such Jackson Public Schools.)

Part 2.Divide the items in the school budget into the three different parts: (1) percentage used for core classes, professional development, and a principal; (2) percentage used for extra, support services such as instruction in specialist content classes or for the additional needs of students who struggle to learn to standards, and guidance, social work, family outreach, nursing, and other student support services; and (3) percentage for central administration, operations and maintenance of schools, transportation of students to and from school, food services, and short-term debt service. Does your school’s budget match the percentage ranges for the three categories given in this chapter? If not, what are the differences and what are their causes?

Sample Solution