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Building Fiscally Savvy Board Members

Module #2 - Critical Budget Drivers

Welcome to the Building Fiscally Savvy Board Member series! In this module, we'll cover critical budget drivers that impact charter school finance, including the importance of enrollment and attendance rates, the role of student demographics, and understanding supplemental and concentration grants. You'll also learn about pupil-teacher ratios, cash flow timing, and the impact of fundraising on your school's revenue.

By the end of this module, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the factors that drive charter school budgets and how to use this information for effective financial decision-making. Let's dive in and empower your board leadership today!

💡 Bonus Tip: Prioritize Attendance Rates to Maximize Funding


A critical factor in charter school funding is the attendance rate, not just enrollment numbers. Schools get paid based on the number of students attending each day, so focusing on improving attendance can directly impact your school’s budget. Consider implementing strategies like attendance incentives or parent engagement programs to ensure students are present and ready to learn.

Question 1 of 5

 

1. What is the most important factor in determining how much funding a school receives under the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF)?

A) Enrollment numbers B) Attendance rate C) Fundraising efforts D) Student-teacher ratio

💡 Bonus Tip: Understand the Importance of Pupil-Teacher Ratios


Maintaining an optimal pupil-teacher ratio is key for both compliance and educational quality. Beyond compliance, a lower ratio supports better individualized attention and improved student outcomes, which ultimately strengthens the school’s reputation and community support.

Module #1 - Key Finance Funding update
Module #1 - Key Finance Funding
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Module #3 - Financial Philosophies
Module #3 - Financial Philosophies
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Copy of Module #4
Module #4 - Finance Package
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