801.1 - Planning, Preparation, Requirements, and Publication of the Budget

The planning of the budget document will be a continuous process and will involve long-term planning, study, and deliberation by the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Directors, administrative staff, faculty, and citizens of the school district.

This budget process will include the following three phases:

  1. Educational program and its impact upon the budget;
  2. Estimated income; and
  3. Estimated expenditures.

Prior to certification of the budget, the board will review the projected revenues and expenditures for the school district and make adjustments where necessary to carry out the education program within the revenues projected.

A budget for the school district will be prepared annually for the board’s review. The budget will include the following:

  1. The amount of revenues from sources other than taxation;
  2. The amount of revenues to be raised by taxation;
  3. An itemization of the amount to be spent in each fund; and
  4. A comparison of the amount spent and revenue received in each fund for like purposes in the two prior fiscal years.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent [or designee] to prepare the budget for review by the board prior to the April 15th deadline each year.

Prior to the adoption of the proposed budget by the board, the public will be apprised of the proposed budget for the school district. Prior to the adoption of the proposed budget by the board, members of the school district community will have an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed budget. A public hearing for the proposed budget of the board is held each year in sufficient time to file the adopted budget no later than April 15th.

The proposed budget filed by the board with the board secretary and the time and place for the public hearing on the proposed budget is published in a newspaper designated for official publication in the school district. It is the responsibility of the board secretary to publish the proposed budget and public hearing information at least 10 days, but no more than 20 days, prior to the public hearing.

The board will adopt and certify a budget for the operation of the school district to the county auditor by April 15th. It is the responsibility of the board secretary to file the adopted and certified budget with the county auditor and other proper authorities.

The board may amend the budget for the fiscal year in the event of unforeseen circumstances. The amendment procedures will follow the procedures for public review and adoption of the original budget by the board outlined in these policies.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent and the board secretary to bring any budget amendments necessary to the attention of the board to allow sufficient time to file the amendment with the county auditor no later than May 31st of each year. Prior to the board approving the amendment, the board secretary will publish the proposed budget amendment and public hearing information at least 10 days, but no more than 20 days, prior to the public hearing.

Adopted: 6/70
Reviewed: 10/12; 12/13; 5/15; 1/22
Revised: 7/10; 12/18
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): §§ 24; 257; 279.8; 297; 298; 618
IASB Reference: 703.1