School Business Affairs
School business officials must be able to analyze problems and develop effective solutions. Arriving at solutions involves identifying the relative importance of the problem, what is known additional information is required, who is involved, what’s at risk, and the ultimate goal.
Most problems are easily resolved based on policy, experience, and knowledge of school business. However, some problems are more complex. School business officials don’t always have all the information they need, aren’t familiar with the personnel involved, or are faced with conflicting priorities.
A handbook on data-based decision making (Kowalski 2009) offers a basic format involving three steps:
1. Develop and understand alternative choices, demands, and constraints related to the situation at hand.
2. Evaluate available choices in light of constraints and demands.
3. Select the best option available in relation to the problem.
SBOs can draw from a variety of decision-making models, including the following.
Copyright © 2017, Association of School Business Officials International
Association of School Business Officials International
Place of Publication
Dolph, David Alan, "Problem-Solving Tips for School Business Officials" (2017). Educational Leadership Faculty Publications. 215.
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