Books and Pamphlets

The operations side of school districts is often a mystery to those not involved in the day-to-day activities of running a district. And even those in the know can benefit from best practices and procedures for creating safe and secure environments in which students can excel.  WASBO publications are designed to inform lay people and assist district professionals in their daily responsibilities.

Roles and Responsibilities of the School District Business Office

This free, downloadable pamphlet details the day-to-day responsibilities of school district administrators. Roles and Responsibilities of the School District Business Office is useful in educating the general public about the importance of the administrative role in school districts, and is also a helpful quick reference for District Professionals in drafting job descriptions and allocating responsibilities. Thank you to the WASBO Accounting Committee for their efforts in developing this resource.

Glossary of Wisconsin School Finance Terms and Acronyms

School finance can be daunting to understand, even for seasoned administrators. Frequently, school board members, interested parents and community members are asked for their opinions or to support topics ranging from approving the budget at the Annual Meeting of Electors to supporting or opposing proposed legislation that will impact their school district. In an effort to increase the understanding of common school finance terms, the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials (WASBO) Accounting Committee, chaired by Ken Mischler, and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) produced this Glossary of Wisconsin School Finance Terms and Acronyms. This booklet is written for the layperson; while definitions are appropriate for this intended purpose, in their simplification they lose some of their accuracy for the practicing administrator. As such, this booklet should not be used as a technical guide for professionals charged with implementing the many regulations associated with management of school district finances. The Glossary of Wisconsin School Finance Terms and Acronyms is available as a download or for $5 per copy and may be purchased through WASBO by calling 608.249.8588.

Handbook for Evaluation and Improvement of Business Office and Support Services Functions (2000)

Today’s Business Administrator assumes many responsibilities and the role differs among school districts in the state. Historic patterns of responsibility, the size of the district, community politics, the organizational philosophy, and the competencies of the individual, all influence the business administrator’s role. The Handbook for Evaluation is a 26 chapter guide steps business officials through the many potential responsibilities of their position, including:

  • Financial Planning, Budgeting and Ongoing Fiscal Management
  • Personnel Management
  • Data Processing and Management Information Systems
  • Facility Planning and Construction
  • Insurance/Risk Management
  • Debt Service Management
  • Strategic Planning
  • Office Management
  • Cash Management and Investments
  • Transportation
  • Negotiations
  • Purchasing and Supply Management
  • Operations/Maintenance of Facilities
  • Food Service Management
  • State Funding Approaches
  • Computer-aided Facilities Management
  • School Accounting
  • School Financial Reporting
  • Wisconsin School District Auditing
  • Records Retention
  • Agency Funds/Trust Funds (Student Activity Fund)
  • Site Based Management
  • Board of Education & Business Office Policies and Procedures
  • Payroll Management

The Handbook for Evaluation is available for $95 per copy and may be purchased through WASBO by calling 608.249.8588. WASBO members may also access a PDF of the handbook.

School Budgeting Cycle

The budgeting process, from strategic planning to preparation, presentation, administration and evaluation of a budget, is the focus of this handbook. A good primer on the basics for new board members and administrators and a handy reference manual for every school district bookshelf.  The School Budgeting Cycle Handbook is made possible through the continuing cooperation of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and WASBO. Special thanks to WASBO members for their contribution to this latest edition: 

  • Ken Mischler, Manitowoc
  • Patty Sprang, Michicot
  • Mark Van Der Zee, Menasha
  • Betty Zimdars, Howard-Suamico
  • Janice DeMeuse, Luxemburg-Casco
  • Rebecca Hansen, New Holstein
  • Gretchen Thomes, Sheboygan
  • Joan Meyer, Port Washington-Saukville
  • Janelle Marotz, Eau Claire
  • Lynn Knight, Nekoosa

The School Budgeting Cycle is available from WASB.