Goal Driven Budget

     A goal driven budget is one in which there is an alignment of the Board of Trustee goals with the district improvement plan goals with campus improvement plan goals so that the budget supports successful implementation of all.  This type of alignment requires strong communication with all stakeholders to ensure that the goals of the Board match the goals of the community and the financial allocations of the budget. 

     In Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, we are beginning to implement our newly developed District plan, called LEAD 2021.The utilization of goal driven budget process is evident in the alignment of the vision.  The vision of the board and the community is the basis for this plan.  It involved many community members and represents alignment of the vision of the Board, the district and the campuses.  As the budget situation changes based on the funding from the state, the strategic utilization of budget and resources becomes more critical.  This plan helps guide the intentional use of budget resources to achieve the goals of the district. 

     After talking with GCISD Superintendent, Dr. Robin Ryan, the most important parts of the budget process in implementing LEAD 2021 goals are flexibility, tenacity and constant monitoring.  He meets weekly with the district’s CFO to touch base with her on the recent legislative updates and district state of affairs.  The key to the process is starting early in the discussions with the Board and constantly monitoring the process to match predictions with actual spending patterns.  Close monitoring of these patterns and constant communication with the Board helps keep everyone informed as to the allocations and necessary adjustments.  As Dr. Ryan says, “you can delegate authority, but not responsibility.”  As the Superintendent, communication with the Board helps maintain the responsibility piece while also supporting the stakeholder input.