Bowie Elementary News Bulletin
Meeting Mrs. Hardy
Budget
1. What is your budget philosophy?
“Student achievement and the budget are tied in together. It is imperative that I view it as a tool that is going to help our students achieve success. I always have to keep in mind ,”how is this program, etc, going to benefit the student? And is it worth it?”
When do you beging working on the budget and with whom?
“In reality, I’m already looking and planning ahead around March/April time frame. I must make sure that we have allotted sufficient funds to carry us through the rest of the school year and enough to begin the next one. I work closely with the campus improvement planning committee and get feedback from them. The feedback helps me develop a plan that is balanced and equitable as it can be. I not only work with them but my AP as well as the secretary. Throughout the planning period, though, I am constantly asking myself, “what are our immediate needs? What did our data show us? and I look at the history of our school for some guidance. “
What and how do you use data to determine your budget needs?
“Some of the data I use to determine my budget priorities are need assessment surveys, AEIS report, etc. ..really, any data that is going to be reflective of where our school stands. Our budget is data driven. If I look over testing data and I see that we are performing low in reading, I will make sure that we set money aside for that and look at what is going to be most beneficial. Just so you know… I believe in people more than workbooks. I prefer to put money on tutors that will have the creativity to develop effective intervention plans than a piece of paper."
You’re told, “You are getting less money this year than last…” how do you determine where you’re going to trim your budget?
Foremost, I value people so I will always try to avoid cutting people if I don’t absolutely need to. I will always look at what is going to have the highest and least impact on student learning. I will let that “drive” what I’m going to trim. I am always in search for areas that I can stretch my money and get the biggest bang for my buck in regards to student achievement."
Are grants something you count on, realistically?
1. Hmmmm....
“Can your school run without them? Of course…I view grants as a luxury. I used to be a grant writer and I understand how time consuming it is to research and as well as build those relationships with individuals/organizations that are going to help you achieve your goal. I will always encourage my staff to reach out to grants but I am very empathetic in regards to the process."
As a new principal, what are you going to “watch out” for in regards to the budget?
“Luckily, GP has a lot of “fail safes” in place. There are enough checks and balances that keep me safe but I always make sure to do what is right and when in doubt…ask someone you trust. :)
Are there common mistakes that you have seen happen and how are you going to avoid them?
Hiring a Classroom Teacher
What interview process do you have in place for hiring a classroom teacher?
I believe that the team that is going to be impacted the most should have a say in who their new team member is going to be. I meet with the team and we go over some of the questions we are going to ask to ensure that we are going to get the best candidate for our school and it also ensure that we aren’t being repetitive in our questioning. After we have interviewed all candidates, I hold another meeting to get their feedback and discuss the qualifications of the candidates.
Also, if I'm torn between two candidates, I will always request a second interview and continue collaborating with with team to ensure we get the best candiate for our school.