Financial Challenges Ahead: What you need to know and ask during budget development

The proposed state budget calls for an increase in aid for school districts, but relies heavily on one-time stimulus funds. In addition, the budget is based on the assumption of yet to be approved federal funding. This uncertainty, combined with the long term ramifications of the current financial crisis, has resulted in significant challenges for school districts in developing their budgets. School board members need to understand the financial hurdles ahead, what questions to ask, and their role in the budgeting process.HostDeputy Director of Leadership Development, Jamie McPhersonGuestChief Business & Financial Officer at Bethlehem Central School District, Judith Kehoe