A Trustee's Guide to the Annual Operating Budget Process

Most schools are now well into their budget development season. In my experience, the board of trustees often arrives at the end of the process with the feeling it has not had sufficient time to consider the information and issues that come together in this annual exercise. This year, with continuing financial stress in the economy, it is especially important to get it right. I would like to share a few thoughts about the process and how heads and trustees can be satisfied with the end product. Each independent school has its own distinct style and calendar. This article will look at some of the elements they have in common. In general, the larger the institution, the more work goes into the budget.