Responsibilities and Licensure Requirements for School Business Managers Here is another critical position for towns and schools that usually operates under the radar and that most residents are not familiar with. This position carries with it strict background and certification requirements due to the important role this position carries out... Responsibilities and Licensure Requirements for School Business Managers Among the most important responsibilities of the school business manager is to develop the school department budget, and take a leadership role to communicate the associated budget plans and impacts to the school committee, town officials and citizens. Often this involves presenting the budget during public hearings and advocating for the budget on behalf of the school superintendent and committee. The business manager also serves in a confidential and advisory role to the superintendent and school committee by preparing financial plans, analysis and recommendations to assist them with important policy decisions such as collective bargaining positions, the setting of user fees and the preparation of the annual budget. Another primary responsibility of the business manager is to work with principals and program administrators to plan and design financial and accounting controls. Oversight of the day-to-day accounting related to the approximately $48 million spent by the school department is essential to ensure that financial results are stated accurately, and that spending is consistent with the approved budget and the requirements of state law. This involves the review of all payroll and vendor payments prior to the warrants being approved by the school committee. The business manager also reviews all purchase orders, bid specifications and contracts. The business manager oversees the preparation of financial reports periodically for the committee and the state, including the End-of-Year Pupil and Financial report submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Another issue is the DESE regulations that stipulate the licensure requirements for a certified school business administrator to oversee the district’s finances. In a merged finance operation, regardless of who fulfills the school business manager responsibilities, DESE regulations call for the person responsible to be licensed as a school business administrator. DESE’s regulations (603 CMR 7.09) cover the prerequisite background needed to achieve initial certification as a school business administrator. First, a candidate needs to possess at least an initial license in another educational role and to have completed at least three years of employment in a district-wide, school-based or other educational setting. Completion of at least three years of employment in a business management or other setting accepted by the DESE can be substituted for the above school experience. Potential school business administrators also must pass the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills test. The regulations also require that the school business administrator possess subject matter knowledge in the areas of financial planning and management, accounting systems, management of state and federal funds for special services (food service, transportation and special education), municipal and school finance laws and regulations, personnel and collective bargaining, and purchasing and facilities, among others. Lastly, a candidate must complete an approved post-baccalaureate program including a supervised practicum of 300 hours in the school business administrator role, or 300 hours in an apprenticeship with a trained mentor consistent with DESE guidelines or submit to a panel review where the candidate’s portfolio of work is assessed by DESE staff. The requirements for certification are fairly rigorous and are not easily attained without a significant time commitment.
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 03:32:56 +0000
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