Comparing District Improvement Plans

Goal Driven Budgeting

In assignment four of week one, we are asked to compare the District Improvement Plans of Austin ISD and our district. We are asked to note similarities and differences among the two plans and play close attention to goal driven budgeting. In reviewing the two plans I have found that they have similarities and differences. Some similarities are exact where some are not exact. However, I have found that both plans are very goal driven when pertaining to the budget.

Both improvement plans identify goals, how these goals will be addressed, and what portion of the budget or where the funding will come from to meet these goals. Some of the goals are exactly the same in both plans. When evaluating where the funding comes from for these goals they vary a bit. Even with the funding varying the budgets clearly reflect goal driven budgeting. There were several different goals between the two plans but they still identified areas of funding that were goal driven. Another similarity of the goals is the fact that each goal listed outcomes and responsible parties. I was intrigues to see that each plan had ways to evaluate the goals and who was responsible for ensuring these goals were met.

The actual designs of the plans were totally different. Both plans contained almost all of the same data as the other with each containing its own specific details. Each plan provided their vision, mission, and goals. Austin ISD’s plan actually listed more specific details especially dealing with actual money amounts for individualized goals whereas Rusk simply gives a total dollar amount for categories.

Overall I see many more similarities between the two plans than I do differences. Each plan extensively list goals, strategies, and initiatives for their areas of concern. Both plans specifically identify where the funding will come from whether it is local, state, federal, grants, or etc. The only way to meet all that is spelled out in these district plans is to have the district’s budget oriented to the plans. Our district plans are designed so that they are goal oriented therefore our district budgets must be goal driven in order to make the plans successful.