Finance Advisory Group FAQ

Q:	What is the goal or charge of the Finance Advisory Group?
A:	The goal is for the group to help identify for the School Board what the residents of the CCSD want and need to know about the school budget, to offer advice specific to the 2011-2012 budget proposal as it relates to the Board's strategic question of how the district can ensure continuing excellence in academic and extracurricular programs while developing a budget that is fiscally responsible, to analyze and compare budget trends from similar districts, and to evaluate the usefulness of a community survey on the budget and possibly assist in the development, implementation and interpretation of the survey.
Q	Who will be members of the Finance Advisory Group?
A:	We are seeking a diverse cross-section of the community. The Board's and administration's goal is to craft a budget that addresses the concerns of the entire community and we seek residents who can help us do just that.
Q	What are the qualifications needed to volunteer?
A:	Besides the diversity of the group, we seek members who have a particular expertise that may help such as non-profit budgeting, cost-benefit analysis, a deep understanding of compensation and benefit analysis and/or experience with surveying and interpretation of surveys. The most important characteristic we seek is a willingness to work hard, to work cooperatively and to work creatively.
Q	What is the time commitment?
A:	We have tentatively planned 6 meetings of which 5 are on Tuesday evenings and the sixth is on a Saturday afternoon. The dates were chosen to fit within the budget process time frame and to give access to the community. While the dates were also chosen to fit within the district calendar with minimal conflicts, when the group meets for the first time we will discuss the schedule.
Q	What are the tentatively scheduled dates?
A:	November 9 (Tuesday); November 23 (Tuesday); December 7 (Tuesday); January 22 (Saturday); March 8 (Tuesday); March 22 (Tuesday)
Q	What if I cannot make all the meetings, can I still volunteer?
A:	Yes. While we recognize that not every member of the group will be able to attend every meeting, we seek members who are committed to the process and are willing to make the time necessary to be a contributing member of the group.
Q	What if I cannot commit, but I still wish to provide input and contribute to the group?
A:	All the meetings are open to the public. In fact, we will be urging the public to attend either to provide input or simply to observe. Please attend and contribute at the appropriate time.
Q	Are these finance advisory group meetings the only way to give the Board input on the budget?
A:	No. Of course not. Regardless of your ability to attend these advisory group meetings you are encouraged to attend the regularly scheduled Board budget meetings. We also anticipate continuing to work with the PTA to have smaller group meetings called "budget coffees" during budget season in order for the Board and administration to disseminate information and answer questions as well as respond to comments and concerns.