The District uses an annual budget, with fiscal years beginning July 1st and ending June 30th of each year.
Budget development is a year-round process. It begins following the completion of the independent audit, when fund balances are calculated. Throughout the year, resources and requirements are monitored to help establish future trends. Revenue projections begin during the legislative session and are finalized in early spring.
The Business Administrator works closely with the Superintendent to coordinate with building and department leaders to identify expenditure requirements. Requests are matched against the District strategic goals. In the meantime, the District salary schedule and benefit costs are negotiated with several bargaining groups. In May, requirements are balanced against available resources and projected revenues, and the proposed budget is finalized.
The Superintendent serves as the budget officer of the District (Utah Code 53A-19-101). The Business Administrator is responsible for internal controls, financial reporting, and implementing sound budget procedures (Utah Code 53A-3-303). Prior to June 1 of each year, the Superintendent is required to file with the local school board a preliminary tentative budget.
The proposed tentative budget is presented to and discussed with the Board of Education. The Board votes to adopt the tentative budget at a public hearing held in June. Once adopted, the budget document becomes the official operating plan of the District. If the Board should decide that a tax increase or judgment levy is required to balance this budget, it will conduct a public hearing in August.
The budget calendar more fully explains activities that contribute to the budget development and approval process.
The budget development process is a “shared” process in which many levels of government, patrons, administrators, and employees participate.
BUDGET RELATED REFERENCES:
Title 53A Public Education:
Utah State Office of Education R277 Guidance: