Goal Driven Budget

Goal Driven Budget

A goal driven budget is exactly as it sounds. It is a budget that is driven by goals. The budget starts with the goals set forward by the Board of Trustees. Then the goals set forward by the District and Campus improvement plans should reflect the goals set by the board. As Dr. Arterbury points out in this week’s lecture: “The purpose of a goal driven budget is to assist in the attainment of a shared vision for the school district and each campus”. In turn the budget should reflect a commitment of funds to achieve a shared vision and obtain the goals for the district.

Clear Creek ISD has a collaborative process to the budget development.  In CCISD we have a statement of believe that: “Communication with all stakeholders develops unity”. This is evident with how the budget process begins.  First it begins with the Board of Trustees goals. Then the Deputy Superintendent explained throughout the budget development process he meets with campuses and department heads on each campus to determine the needs of the district. He stated that this information is essential to building a budget.  

Next, it is evident while reviewing CCISD’s District Improvement Plan that my district has a goal driven budget. The district is spending money on the set goals for the district. There is a set parameter in the District Improvement Plan that states: “We will not initiate or retain any program or service unless it contributes to achieving our mission and objectives, and benefits outweigh costs.”

An example of how the district is applying funding towards achieving goals and a shared vision is the district has the mission of equipping all students to graduate with the knowledge, skills, and resources to be successful in post-secondary education or employment in the 21^st century workplace. Every goal and resource is allocated towards every student in the district meeting that goal. This school year the district is focusing on the use of resources to accelerate learning for all students and eliminate the achievement gap so, that every student is equipped for the 21^st century workplace. One way the district plans on achieving this goal is to ensure that all resource allocations (financial and personnel) support district alignment and campus goals. Also, base all resource allocations upon a thorough analysis of student performance data annually.

It was evident by reviewing Clear Creek ISD District Improvement Plan that CCISD has a goal driven budget. All resources are allocated toward a shared vision. It is essential for a success of a district to have a goal driven budget.