Committee Mission
Help the PTA community understand how the Montclair school district allocates the annual operating and capital expense budgets.
Objectives
- Educate the community and help translate budget processes, regulatory limitations, etc., to empower the community to have a stronger voice in the budget process
- Support a budget that helps make every child's potential a reality by investing in educational equity, anti-racism, and eliminating the opportunity gap. Where possible, encourage analysis of return on investments (e.g., across schools)
- Advocate, where appropriate, for budget items and funding for short and long term facility projects in line with PTA priorities
- Follow annual budget process and highlight key changes in investment priorities
- Hold district accountability for financial transparency
Strategic Priorities
Focus on how budget spending aligns with stated district goals and priorities
Key Initiatives
- Develop relationships with key decision makers (i.e., administration, BoE committee, BoSE)
- Create information sheet and community forum on how the annual budget/ capital expense processes work, e.g., limitations and opportunities
- Research other districts and provide feedback to administration on ways to share 2021/2022 budget with public to support understanding and transparency
- Attend budget meeting forums and advocate for PTA priorities
- Monitor monthly financial reports published in BOE minutes
Measures of Success
PTA community is better informed about the annual budget and how they can participate in the process in a constructive way
20/21 Committee Members
Julie Clemens. Chair - julie.clemens.2014@gmail.com
Brian Fleischer
Tessie Thomas
Debbie Villarreal
Meg Cavanaugh
Michelle McCarthy