After examining budgets from all kinds of schools, over the past three decades, two key findings emerged: school budgets reflect school values, intentionally or not; and, there are noteworthy ways to reduce the costs of operating schools. This text addresses two ways to gain insight and shed light on the question: How much does a great school cost? Sixteen educators were asked about their perceptions of greatness in schools, innovations worthy of pursuit, and barriers to change. This examination unpacks the expenditures and revenue options in existing schools; as well as, costs associated with an envisioned New School. This account addresses both an analysis of what is and what could be, at the same time as revealing innovative ways to save on schooling expenditures, and think differently about schools as potential revenue-generating institutions. Changing mindsets is at the core of school improvement, and while greatness may be defined in different ways, the budget will reflect what matters in an institution. A great school may not cost as much as you might think, but the willingness to re-purpose funds and generate revenue, can help jump start the engines of change.
Industry Reviews
This book is for everyone who cares about the future of education - more importantly, the future of students. -- Dan Rockwell, Inc. Magazine top 50 Leadership expert; author, Leadership Freak Blog Amid the growing momentum for education transformation, Barbara Smith's book provides a most valuable tool for school leaders seeking to drive change intentionally and sustainably. School budget management has been a black box for too long. This thorough analysis of the finances of schools - with a view towards innovation - will help many. -- Maria Langworthy, director, Worldwide Education Research, Microsoft Dr. Smith's challenge to 'grapple with ideas' takes us to the conversation of 'what is a great school and what is its value? -- Dennis Kellison, former director, School of Education and Human Development, Shenandoah University Great schools are a necessity, at any cost. Author Barbara Smith outlines considerations for school communities along with charts to help focus intentional conversations around priorities and outcomes. Budgets need to be inextricably linked to student-focused instruction and social-emotional supports, and not just rolled over from year to year. Question the sacred cows and the "we've always done it this way" to make the most of funds available, and explore ways to creatively increase income." -- Lisa Gonzales, president, Association of California State Administrators (ACSA), assistant superintendent educational services, Dublin Unified School District How Much Does a Great School Cost is chalk full of novel and inspiring ideas about how schooling could be radically different and would cost less. If you are dissatisfied by current schooling and want to be stimulated to new action that will radically improve learning read this book, and start using some of its ideas. -- Michael Fullan, best-selling author and professor emeritus, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto In this text Barbara Smith provides an extensive study from her insider's perspective of the challenges and realities of schools with examples of best practices. -- Jacqueline Delong, PhD, retired superintendent of education and adjunct professor
