Tool_Budget_Projection.xlsm

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1	Budget Projection Tool
2	Developed by the Government Finance Officers Association as part of their Smarter School Spending Framework
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11		Introduction
12		Overview	In order to have an informed discussion about instructional priorities and investments, district leaders must have a high-level understanding of the district's current and future budget situation. If the district has a projected surplus, leaders have greater freedom to invest in instructional priorities. However, if the district has a projected deficit, leaders must carefully prioritize their future investments. This tool is designed to assist district leadership in developing a general future financial picture of district revenues and expenditures. Additionally, this tool allows leaders to examine which areas of the budget have been growing the fastest over the past 3 years.
13		What will you get out of this activity?	1. General revenue projections for the next 5 years 2. General expenditure projections (by line item) for the next 5 years 3. Projected net surplus/deficit for the next 5 years 4. Ranking of highest growth line item expenses over the past 3 years
14		When should you do this activity?	Step 3: Pay for Priorities Finance or budget office staff can present the findings from this tool to district leadership to establish the financial context for future strategic investment decisions
15		How long will it take to complete?	2-3 days Depending on your district's financial tracking systems, it may take some time to identify line item expense data
16		Who should be involved?	The Chief Finance Officer or a financial analyst should complete the tool. Upon completion, the tool's output should be presented to senior district leadership to inform how future investments will be funded
17		Tips & Tricks	Examine high growth expenses as a potential starting point to identify cost saving opportunities for your district
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