Resources (Financial) 2005 - 2008
SPECIFIC GOAL:
We will develop and implement systems for effective and efficient management
of resources to meet District priorities.

• Annual audit shows maintained or increased fund balance or use of fund balance for "one-time" program or capital needs.

• Annual budget has been developed in accordance with state law.  Current economic conditions do not allow for increasing or maintaining fund balance levels.

• Budget projection documents are prepared and presented to the Board.

• The current economic situation and the numerous variables related to it are unpredictable.  We are doing the best we can, given the circumstances.

• Committee is formed.

• Plan is in place and includes list of current and possible alternative funding sources.

• Committee meetings are held as reported in meeting notes and agendas.

• Information and in-service opportunities are provided to staff re: finding grants and writing grants and fundraisers available.

• Data base is developed to keep track of supplemental revenue sources.

• New revenue sources are acquired.

• Quarterly reports are made to the Board, staff, parents, and the community at board meetings, administrative and staff meetings and through school publications, the District website and local media.

• Committee met numerous times during 2005/06.  Suggestions were developed in a plan that was brought forth during the budget process.  We are currently re-evaluating all suggestions from the committee for the 2007/08 budget.  Although there are numerous grants available, there are a number for which Linden Community Schools does not qualify, based on such criteria as free and reduced lunch counts.

• Currently, every school has access to grants that are available through GISD website.  The GISD keeps a database of grants available and/or applied for.  Both GISD staff and Linden Administrators and instructional staff apply for grants, based on the criteria and the nature of their program or instructional needs.

• We do not have the staff to maintain a database.  In addition, the grants continue to change so unless there was a dedicated staff member, it would be difficult to keep up and it would be a duplication of some of the work already being done by GISD.

• Cost benefit analysis is reported to the Board.

• Not feasible at this time.

• GISD superintendent is contacted to determine appropriate protocol and procedures to follow.

• Determination regarding enhancement millage request is reported to the Board.

• Protocol and procedures have been investigated.  No further action to date.

• Superintendent attends regular Foundation meetings.

• District website link to Foundation is updated regularly.

• Methods to contribute to the Foundation, benefits of contributing and Foundation activities and events are promoted and communicated to staff, Board and community through school publications, CD or DVD, at staff and board meetings, local papers and community functions and District website.

• Attendance at meetings and sharing of information with members of the Foundation Board, the school board and the Linden staff.

• Increased membership and participation on Foundation Board.  We continue to work on getting additional members.

• Information is updated on district website and reported in school newsletters and through service clubs.

• Fundraisers: auditorium seat plaques, fall silent action/dinner at Spring Meadows, Todds Lawn Service

• Communication plan includes the initiation of a donor campaign that includes alumnae.  Foundation is awaiting some new members to head up this initiative.

• Funds provided to Linden Schools:  mini grants and Student Scholarships.

Business Manager
Assistant Superintendent
Director of Operations
Administrators

• Committee is formed.

• Plan is in place and includes list of current and new cost savings suggestions.

• Committee meetings are held as reported in meeting notes and agendas.

• Data base is developed to keep track of cost savings and sources.

• District expenditures are decreased.

• Quarterly reports are med to the Board, staff, parents, and the community at board meetings, administrative and staff meetings and through school publications, the District website and local media.

• See Above

Business Manager
Superintendent
Administrators
Staff

• Plan is developed and approved by the Board.

• Information in the plan is shared through a variety of methods, including meetings with staff, newsletters to staff, parents and community, information on District website, meetings with parents, parent groups, community groups and community members, regular board updates, and local media.

• Successful renewal of non-homestead operating millage.

• Non-Homestead Renewal was passed by voters in the spring of 2006.

Business Manager
Superintendent
Director of Operations
Administrators
Staff

• Plan is developed and approved by the Board.

• Information in the plan is shared through a variety of methods, including meetings with staff, newsletters, to staff, parents and community, information on District website, meetings with parents, parent groups, community groups and community members, regular board updates and local media.

• Successful renewal of the sinking fund milleage.

• Sinking fund renewal was unsuccessful in the fall of 2006.  Committee reconvened to prepare for May, 2007 election.