An MBA View of Fiscally Responsible Management

By Bill Wiese

At a recent community candidate forum, Bill Wiese gave his impressions of attending a School Board-District Staff workshop on "Fiscally Responsible Management". Many members of the community have asked for copies of his remarks.

"In a workshop meeting this last Monday, the current board went through a process to identify the four areas they considered the most needing their attention in the coming year.

"All agreed that 'Fiscally Responsible Management' should be on the list.

"But what really caught my eye and ear were the action items listed beneath 'Fiscally Responsible Management': Let's see what you think:

1. Must explore all areas of revenue enhancement. (This might be related to fiscal responsibility.)

2. District must communicate the value of education provided to the student. (Communications, I'd say--not fiscal responsibility.)

3. Budget must be driven by educational need to the student. (Obvious, but not fiscal responsibility.)

4. Budgets must value contributions made by the highly-qualified teachers, administrators, and support staff. (Self-serving, but not fiscal responsibility.)

"If we are spending $500 per hour on legal counsel when other competent school districts are spending less than half that for specialized education counsel, not only is the board's real fiscal responsibility open to question, but, in light of the list I just read, one has to wonder if the board even knows what it is.

"I do know what it is. The school board and its programs must never lie stagnant or become an end in themselves. We must constantly revisit and review the work the school district is doing in order to ensure that we are making the best possible use of our resources.

"If you have not yet signed my list of supporters, I will be available after the forum.

Thanks for this opportunity."

--Bill Wiese