Getting to Know the District
- Do your homework. Look at all aspects of the district’s website. Read the board minutes and agendas. Look at the district budget. Check out the social media pages to see what is happening. Google the district and see what comes up.
- Read the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) thoroughly. See where the district is spending dollars. Review the 10-year history of spending, revenues, and tax dollars.
- Attend a board meeting. See how the meeting is run and who attends it. Observe the board members, administration, and the public. Your experience at just one board meeting may guide your decision about applying for the position.
Your experience at just one board meeting may guide your decision about applying for the position.
Preparing for the Interview
- If your application leads to an interview, be prepared. Looking at the website and reading ACFRs are excellent ways to introduce yourself to the district.
- Be prepared with questions. For example:
- What software is used for accounting/payroll/human resources?
- Is there a customized work calendar for administrators/12-month employees?
- What specific departments/how many employees will you be managing?
- Are there opportunities for professional growth (tuition reimbursement/ professional development programs)?
- In some job interviews, you may be asked to complete a task or present something. For example:
- Write a letter using AI.
- Look at an accounts payable aging register and discuss what needs to be done (for analysis purposes).
- Write a board resolution.
- Calculate tax increase/decrease.
- Discuss how to present the budget at a board meeting and/or to the community.
Same Career, Different District
While the above recommendations are suitable for entering this profession, they can also be applied if you are a school business official contemplating a move to another district. Reasons for changing districts parallel the reasons for changing companies in private industry. The most common path is starting in a small district, gaining experience, and then moving into a larger one.
On the other hand, starting in a support position in a large district and then advancing to the position of business official in the same district is another avenue. Sometimes, business officials stay in the small/mid-sized district, as it meets their personal needs (close to home, family commitments, happy with employer).
Finally, some business officials who work in large districts may take positions in smaller districts later in their careers as an option to stay in the profession and free up more personal time. This aspect is one of the advantages of a career as a business official: You get to decide (like Goldilocks) what district fits your professional and personal needs.
Summary
If you want to become a business official, the first step is to explore the state association where you live. Search “(name of state) association of business officials” and look for the link that offers information about becoming a business official to determine what credentials you may need.
If you are a current business official contemplating a move, use the suggestions offered here as a roadmap to get you where you can accomplish your personal and professional goals.
The second part of this two-part series will discuss your first year as a school business professional.