DB - Annual Budget

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Policy DB

Adopted: October 2, 2014
Amended: March 2, 2023

The annual budget is the financial expression of the educational programs and the priorities of the school district.

The budget then is more than just a financial instrument and requires cooperation on the parts of the School Committee, the administrative staff, and the community 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 the Town Charter and will be developed and refined in accordance with these same requirements.

Annual budgets for each school operated by the District shall be developed with input from the School Council and shall reflect the priorities established in the annual school improvement plan.

The Superintendent will serve as budget officer but he/she/they may delegate portions of this responsibility to members of his/her/their staff, as he/she/they deem(s) appropriate. The three general areas of responsibility for the Superintendent as budget officer will be budget preparation, budget presentation, and budget administration.

A budget is a spending plan, which is developed well in advance of the fiscal year. Circumstances may occur which necessitate changing spending priorities and redirecting funds within the budget accordingly. Revisions to the budget may be made from time to time by the Committee, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.

Legal References:

MGL 71:34; 71:37; 71:38N

Hopkinton Town Charter

Adapted Reference:

MASC Model Policies