The annual fiscal budget is the financial expression of the educational program of the school department, and it mirrors the problems and difficulties that confront the school district.

The budget then is more than just a financial instrument and required on the part of the School Committee, the staff, and the community orderly and cooperative effort to ensure sound fiscal practices for achieving the educational goals and objectives of the school district.

Public school budgeting is regulated and controlled by legislation, state regulations, and local school committee requirements. The operating budget for the school district will be prepared and presented in line with state policy and will be developed and refined in accordance with these same requirements.

The Superintendent will serve as budget officer but may delegate portions of this responsibility to members of the staff as they deem appropriate. The three general areas of responsibility for the Superintendent as Budget Officer will be budget preparation, budget presentation, and budget administration.

LEGAL REFS.:  M.G.L. 71:34; 71:37; and 71:38N