Glossary
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The ABC Program
The legislature of the State of North Carolina passed a law in 1995
directing the State Board of Education to: "examine the structure and
functions of the state public school system with a view to improving
student performance, to increasing local flexibility and control, and
promoting economy and efficiency." In 1996 the State Board was given
the authority to set student achievement goals for every public school
in North Carolina.
ABC Incentive Award
To provide funding in the form of bonuses to teachers and teacher assistants
that meet or exceed the expected levels of performance in accordance
with the ABC's of Public Education Program.
Accrual Basis
A basis of accounting in which transactions are recognized at the time
they are incurred, as opposed to when cash is received or spent.
Activity
Department efforts which contribute to the achievement of a specific
set of program objectives; the smallest unit of the program budget.
Ad Valorem Taxes
Commonly referred to as property taxes, are levied on both real and
property according to the property's valuation and the tax rate.
Allot
To divide an appropriation into amounts which may be encumbered
or expended during an allotment period.
Allotment
Allocation of state and federal funds to Local Education Agencies.
Annualize
Taking changes that occurred mid-year and calculating their cost
for a full year, for the purpose of preparing an annual budget.
Appropriated Fund Balance
Appropriated fund balance in any fund shall not exceed the sum of cash
and investments minus the sum of liabilities, encumbrances, and deferred
revenues, as those figures stated at the close of the fiscal year next
preceding the budget year.
Appropriation
A legal authorization to incur obligations and to make expenditures
for specific purposes. An appropriation is usually limited in amount
and as to the time when it may be expended.
Assessed Valuation
The valuation set upon real estate and certain personal property
by the Assessor as a basis for levying property taxes.
Assessed Ratio
The ratio at which the tax rate is applied to the tax base.
Asset
Resources owned or held by a government, which have monetary value.
Attrition
A method of achieving a reduction in personnel by not refilling the
positions vacated through resignation, reassignment, transfer, retirement,
or means other than layoffs.
Authorized Positions
Employee positions, which are authorized in the adopted budget,
to be filled during the year.
Available (Undesignated) Fund Balance
Funds remaining from the prior year which are available for appropriation
and expenditure in the current year.
Average Daily Attendance (ADA)
Sum of pupils present daily divided by the number of days in term, month,
etc.
Average Daily Membership (ADM)
The sum of the number of days in membership for all students in individual
school units, divided by the number of school days in the term. Allotments
for each LEA will be made on the basis of the higher of the first two
months total projected ADM for the current year or the higher of the
first two months total prior year ADM.
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Base Budget
Cost of continuing existing levels of service in the current budget
year. Basic Education Program (BEP) A state plan aimed at improving
the quality of education by requiring school units to offer a basic
education curriculum, reduce class size, and provide expanded resource
assistance. The Basic Education Program was developed in response to
the School Reform Act passed by the June 1984 General Assembly. Initial
funding for the BEP was provided in 1985-86.
Bond
A long-term I.O.U. or promise to pay. It is a promise to repay a specified
amount of money (the face amount of the bond) on a particular date (the
maturity date). Bonds are primarily used to finance capital projects.
Bond Refinancing
The payoff and re-issuance of bonds, to obtain better interest rates
and/or bond conditions.
Budget
A plan proposed by a board of education for raising and spending money
for specified school programs, functions, activities, or objectives
during a fiscal year. A detailed annual operating plan expressed in
terms of estimated revenues and expenses, stated in financial terms,
for conducting programs and related services in the school system. The
budget is a forecast of the projected cost of implementing the goals,
objectives, and policies of the board, as well as any needed improvements
in programs and support services planned by the board.
Budgetary Basis
This refers to the basis of accounting used to estimate financing sources
and uses in the budget. This generally takes one of three forms: GAAP,
cash, or modified accrual.
Budget Calendar
The schedule of key dates used in the preparation and adoption of the
annual budget.
Budget by Priorities
A modified zero-based budget format which establishes the budget by
levels and in priority order.
Budget Resolution
The board of education shall adopt a budget resolution making appropriations
for the budget year in such sums as the board deems sufficient and proper.
The budget resolution shall conform to the uniform budget format established
by the State Board of Education. All moneys received and expended by
a local school administrative unit should be included in the school
budget resolution. No local school administrative unit may expend any
moneys, regardless of their source (including moneys derived from federal,
state, or private sources), except in accordance with a budget resolution.
Budget Year
The fiscal year for which a budget is proposed and a budget resolution
is adopted (July 1 to June 30).
Budgetary Control
The control or management of a government in accordance with the approved
budget for the purpose of keeping expenditures within the limitations
of available appropriations and resources.
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Capital Assets
Assets of significant value and having a useful life of several years.
Capital assets are also called fixed assets.
Capital Budget
The appropriation of bonds or operating revenue for improvements to
facilities, and other infrastructure.
Capital Improvement
Expenditures related to the acquisition, expansion or rehabilitation
of an element of the government's physical plant; sometimes referred
to as infrastruture.
Capital Project
Major construction, acquisition, or renovation activities which add
value to a government's physical assets or significantly increase their
useful life. Also called capital improvements.
Capital Outlay
Fixed assets which have a value of $500 or more and have a useful economic
lifetime of more than one year.
Capital Outlay Fund Appropriations for:
a. The acquisition of real property for school purposes, including but
not limited to school sites, playgrounds, athletic fields, administrative
headquarters, and garages.
b. The acquisition, construction, reconstruction, enlargement, renovations,
or replacement of buildings and other structures, including but not
limited to buildings for classrooms and laboratories, physical and vocational
educational purposes, libraries, auditoriums, gymnasiums, administrative
offices, storage, and vehicle maintenance.
c. The acquisition or replacement of furniture and furnishings, instructional
apparatus, data-processing equipment, business machines, and similar
items of furnishings and equipment.
d. The acquisition of school buses as additions to the fleet.
e. The acquisition of activity buses and other motor vehicles.
f. Such other objects of expenditure as may be assigned to the capital
outlay fund by the uniform budget format. The cost of acquiring or constructing
a new building, or reconstructing, enlarging or renovation of existing
building, shall include the cost of all real property and interests
in real property, and all plants, works, appurtenances, structures,
facilities, furnishings, machinery, and equipment necessary or useful
in connection therewith; finance charges, the cost of plans, specifications,
studies, reports, and surveys, legal expenses, and all other costs necessary
or incidental to the construction, reconstruction, enlargement or renovation.
Cash Basis
A basis of accounting in which a transaction is recognized only when
cash is increased or decreased.
Carryover Funds
appropriated but unspent in the first fiscal year which are brought
forward for expenditure in the succeeding fiscal year(s).
Categorical Allotments
Local school systems may use this funding to purchase all services necessary
to address the needs of a specific population or service. The local
school system must operate within the allotted funds. These funds may
be used to hire personnel such as teachers, teacher assistants, and
instructional support personnel or to provide a service such as transportation,
staff development, or to purchase supplies and materials.
Categorical Funds
A dollar allotment which may be used to fund positions and/or other
support such as supplies, materials, etc. for that particular program.
Categorical Grants
A grant received from another governmental unit to be used or expended
on specific programs.
Category I Project
Acquisition of real property and acquisition, construction, reconstruction,
enlargement, renovations, or replacement of buildings and other structures
for school system purposes.
Category II Project
Acquisition or replacement of furniture, furnishings, and equipment.
Category III Project
Acquisition of school buses, activity buses, and other motor vehicles.
Charter Schools
A public school operated by a group of parents, teachers, and/or community
members as a semi-autonomous school of choice within a school district
operating under a "charter" with the State Board of Education. The final
approval on all charters is granted by the State Board of Education.
In addition, the charter school must sign a contract with the local
board of education laying out the relationship between the charter school
and the local board of education. Charter schools are designed to give
significant autonomy to individual schools and in turn hold these schools
accountable for results.
Child Nutrition Fund
An enterprise fund that is used to account for the operations of the
Board's child nutrition services program. The intent is that the costs,
including depreciation, of providing food services to the individual
schools be partially recovered by user charges.
Co-Curricular Instructional Programs
Experiences comprised of a group of school-sponsored activities, under
the guidance or supervision of qualified adults, designed to provide
opportunities for pupils to participate in such experiences on an individual
basis, in small groups, or in large groups at school events, public
events or a combination of these for such purposes as motivation, enjoyment,
and improvement of skills. In practice, participation usually is not
required and credit is not given.
Community Services
Activities that are not directly related to the provision of education
for pupils. These include such services as community recreation programs,
civic activities, and cultural programs and activities.
Constant or Real Dollars
The presentation of dollar amounts adjusted for inflation to reflect
the real purchasing power of money as compared to a certain point in
time in the past.
Consumer Price Index (CPI)
A statistical description of price levels provided by the U.S. Department
of Labor. The index is used as a measure of the increase in the cost
of living (i.e., economic inflation).
Contingency
A budgetary reserve set aside for emergencies or unforeseen expenditures
not otherwise budgeted.
Contractual Services
Services rendered to a government by private firms, individuals, or
other governmental agencies. Examples include utilities, rent, maintenance
agreements, and professional consulting services.
Current Expense
Those expenditures of a recurring nature covering services, supplies,
equipment, and payments to individuals or other agencies.
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Days Employed
The number of calendar days that an individual is employed during a
month.
Days Paid
The actual number of days for which pay was received.
Debt Service
The cost of paying principal and interest on borrowed money according
to a predetermined payment schedule.
Dedicated Tax
A tax levied to support a specific government program or purpose.
Deficit
The excess of an entity's liabilities over its assets or the excess
of expenditures or expenses over revenues during a single accounting
period.
Department
The basis organizational unit of government which is functionally unique
in its delivery of services.
Development-related Fees
Those fees and charges generated by building, development and growth
in a community. Included are building and street permits, development
review fees, and zoning, platting and subdivision fees.
Disbursement
The expenditures of moneys from an account.
Discretionary Grants
Grants awarding funds following a competitive review process on a national
level. Proposals are reviewed and scored by knowledgeable individuals
outside the federal government. Awards are then made to the highest-scoring
proposals. There are eligibility requirements for discretionary grant
competitions which limit who may compete for a grant.
Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program
A voluntary awards program administered by the Government Finance Officers
Association to encourage governments to prepare effective budget documents.
Dollar Allotments
Local school systems can hire employees or purchase goods for a specific
purpose, but the local school system must operate within the allotted
dollar amount.
Dollar per ADM
LEA's Initial Allotment divided by the allotment ADM for that LEA. Charter
Schools receive an amount equal to the state funded dollars per ADM
for the LEA in which the student was previously enrolled.
Dollars per Headcount
Funds generated for school-aged children with special needs divided
by the LEA's April 1 total headcount (not capped). Charter Schools receive
an amount equal to the LEA's state funded dollars per headcount for
the LEA in which the child was identified.
DPI
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Dropout
A student who leaves school before graduation or completion of a program
of study for any reason except death or transfer to another school.
Students drop out of school for many reasons - academic failure, discipline
problems, employment, illness, marriage, family instability, and/or
dislike of school.
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EHA
Education of the Handicapped Act
Employee (or Fringe) Benefits
Contributions made by a government to meet commitments or obligations
for employee fringe benefits. Included are the government's share of
costs for Social Security and the various pension, medical, and life
insurance plans.
Employee's Duty Station
"Duty Station" is defined as the job location at which the employee
spends the majority of his or her working hours. For an employee in
travel status, the duty station should be the point where the traveling
begins the majority of the time (home or office). The designation of
an employee's home as the duty station requires prior approval by the
superintendent annually.
Employee's Duty Station
For a nonexempt employee, the employee's regular workweek is the period
of time (hours) for which the salary is intended to provide compensation.
Encumbrance
The commitment of appropriated funds to purchase an item or service.
To encumber funds means to set aside or commit funds for a specified
future expenditure.
Entitlements
Payments to which local governmental units are entitled, pursuant to
an allocation formula determined by the agency providing the monies,
usually the state or the federal government.
Entitlement Grants
State grants made in accordance with a formula based on the number of
children or students to be served, or on the amount of federal or state
money available.
ESEA
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
Expenditure
The payment of cash on the transfer of property or services for the
purpose of acquiring an asset, service, or settling a loss.
Expense Charges
incurred (whether paid immediately or unpaid) for operations, maintenance,
interest, or other charges.
Extended Day Program
A program that usually meets other than regular school hours to meet
the needs for students who may not otherwise be successful or able to
attend a regular school setting. Students may participate in both a
regular program and an extended day program; the LEA receives credit
in the ADM only where the student spends a major portion of his/her
school day.
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Federal Grant Fund
Appropriations for the expenditure of federal categorical grants made
by the Department of Public Instruction and other federal grants allocated
directly to the local school administrative unit. These appropriations
are categorical in nature; i.e., programs and services for children
of low income families, programs and services designed to eliminate
the effects of previous discriminatory practices, etc.
Fiscal Policy
A government's policy with respect to revenues, spending, and debt management
as these relate to government services, programs, and capital investment.
Fiscal policy provides an agreed-upon set of principles for the planning
and programming of government budgets and their funding.
Fiscal Year
The twelve-month period of time to which the annual budget applies.
By law, all North Carolina school systems must observe a fiscal year
that begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.
Fixed Assets
Assets of long-term character that are intended to continue to be held
or used, such as land, buildings, machinery, furniture, and other equipment.
FLSA
Fair Labor Standards Act
Formula Grants
State grants made in accordance with a formula based on the number of
children or students to be served, or on the amount of federal or state
money available.
Full-Time Employee
Full-time employee is one whose regular workweek is thirty or more hours.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)
Sum of part-time positions employed when added together equate to a
full-time position used within classification. A part-time position
converted to the decimal equivalent of a full-time position based on
2,080 hours per year. For example, a part-time typist working for 20
hours per week would be the equivalent to .5 of a full-time position.
Function
A group of related activities aimed at accomplishing a major service
or regulatory program for which a government is responsible.
Function Code
The function code consists of four numeric digits and describes the
purpose for which the activity exists or the type of balance sheet account.
Fund
An independent fiscal and accounting entity consisting of cash and other
resources together with all related liabilities, obligations, reserves,
and equities which are segregated by appropriate accounting techniques
for the purpose of carrying on specific activities or attaining certain
objectives in accordance with established legal regulations, restrictions,
or limitations.
Fund Balance
The excess of the assets of a fund over its liabilities and reserves
at the beginning or ending of a fiscal year.
Fund Code
The fund consists of one numeric digit. The fund is an independent fiscal
and accounting entity with a self balancing set of accounts.
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GAAP
Generally Accepted Accounting Principals. Uniform minimum standards
for financial accounting and recording, encompassing the conventions,
rules, and procedures that define accepted accounting principles.
General Obligation (G.O.) Bond
This type of bond is backed only by the full faith, credit and taxing
power of the government.
Goal
A statement of broad direction, purpose or intent based on the needs
of the community. A goal is general and timeless.
Grant
A contribution by a government or other organization to support a particular
function. Grants may be classified as either operational or capital,
depending upon the grantee.
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Handicapped
Mentally retarded, hearing impaired, deaf, speech/language impaired,
visually handicapped, autistic, behaviorally/emotionally disturbed,
orthopedically impaired, other health impaired, traumatic brain injury,
deaf-blind, multihandicapped or specific learning disabled students
who need special education and related services.
Headcount
This term refers to the process of actually counting the number of pupils
who are defined as exceptional. For federal purposes exceptional children
include only the handicapped. For state purposes, exceptional children
include handicapped, and pregnant students. The federal government requires
headcounts of children with special needs who have been properly identified,
are receiving special education and related services on the headcount
day, and have an individual education plan (IEP) or an individualized
family service plan (IFSP). The December 1 IDEA Title VIB Handicapped
headcount are those children ages 3-21 who are being served by LEAs
and state operated programs. State law requires an adjusted headcount
on April 1 of children ages 5-20 who are being served by LEAs. The April
headcount includes additions or deletions to the December 1 headcounts
and is used for state funding purposes.
Hourly
An employee who fills a temporary or short-term position. Such employees
provide contingency staffing for government operations during peak workloads,
or to address temporary staffing needs. Hourly employees are paid on
a per-hour basis, and receive limited benefits.
Hours Worked
The time for which an employee is entitled to compensation under the
FLSA. Compensation is required for the time an employee is required
to be on duty, on the employer's premises or at a prescribed workplace,
and for the time the employee is "suffered or permitted" to work, whether
or not the employee is requested to do so. Hours worked can include
idle time and time spent in incidental activities, as well as in productive
labor. For example, if an employer permits an employee to continue working
after the end of a shift, the additional hours would be part of hours
worked.
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I.A.S.A.
Improving America Schools Act of 1994 which reauthorizes the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
IDEA
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Indirect Cost
A cost necessary for the functioning of the organization as a whole,
but which cannot be directly assigned to one service.
Individual Pupil Records
Records of attendance, grade, address, etc., for each pupil.
Initial Allotments
The allocation of state and federal funds to LEAs occurring after adjournment
of the General Assembly.
Infrastructure
The physical assets of a government.
Installment
Annual salary distributed in twelve payments for personnel employed
less than twelve months is referred to as installment payment.
Instructional Class Time
In order to be paid as a state-allotted position, the teacher must spend
a major portion of the school day providing classroom instruction and
shall not be used for administrative duties in either the central of
school offices. A major portion of a school day is a minimum of: 3 of
5 periods, 4 of 6 periods, or 5 of 7 periods.
Instructional Personnel
Instructional personnel means all classroom teachers, librarians, and
also instructional assistants. Counselors who regularly teach any part
of the day will be judged to be full time instructional personnel.
Instructional Support
Certified personnel who implement locally designed initiatives which
provide services to students who are at risk of school failure as well
as the students' families. It is the intent of the General Assembly
that the positions must be used first for counselors, then for social
workers and other personnel which have a direct instructional relationship
to students or teachers to help reduce violence in the public schools.
Interfund Transfers
The movement of monies between funds of the same governmental entity.
Intergovernmental Revenue
Funds received form federal, state and other local government sources
in the form of grants, shared revenues, and payments in lieu of taxes.
Interim Budget
In case the adoption of the budget resolution is delayed until after
July 1, the board of education shall make interim appropriations for
the purpose of paying salaries and the usual ordinary expenses of the
school administrative unit for the interval between the beginning of
the fiscal year and the adoption of the budget resolution.
Internal Service Charges
The charges to user departments for internal services provided by another
government agency, such as processing, or insurance funded from a central
pool.
Internet
This is a collection of international computer networks that links schools
and universities, businesses, government agencies, libraries, nonprofit
organizations, and individuals. It is an outgrowth of a government research
project called Arpanet, created to link government agencies and universities.
When it was developed in 1969, electronic commerce was nowhere in the
plan. Now businesses run more than 60 percent of the networks that comprise
the Internet. An estimated 20 million people in 140 countries have access.
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Lapsing
Appropriation An appropriation made for a certain period of time, generally
for the budget year. At the end of the specified period, any unexpected
or unencumbered balance lapses or ends, unless otherwise provided by
law.
LEA
Local education agency.
Level I Budget
All state appropriations, federal appropriations, food service operations,
categorical items, and 90% of the amended current year adopted budget
for the county appropriation.
Level II Budget
Provides staffing and nonpersonnel dollars until 100% of the current
year adopted county appropriation is attained.
Level III Budget
Provides staffing and nonpersonnel dollars in priority increments to
maintain the same level of service as the current year.
Level IV
Budget Priorities to add new staffing and additional nonpersonnel resources
to provide new and/or expanded programs and services.
Levy
To impose taxes for the support of government activities.
Line-item Budget
A budget prepared along departmental lines that focuses on what is to
be bought.
Local Current Expense Fund
Appropriations for the current operating expenses of the local school
administrative unit other than appropriations included in the state
public school fund and the federal grant fund. These appropriations
shall be funded by moneys made available to the local school administrative
unit by the board of county commissioners, supplemental taxes levied
by or on behalf of the local school administrative unit, state money
disbursed directly to the local school administrative unit, and other
moneys made available or accruing to the local school administrative
unit for current operating expenses of the public school system.
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Materials and Supplies
Expendable materials and operating supplies necessary to conduct departmental
operations.
Modified Accrual
The basis of budgeting for the school system. Expenditures are recognized
when encumbered and revenues are recognized when collected.
Modified Zero-Based Budgeting
A technique that enables management to identify and analyze what is
going to be done, set goals and objectives, make operating decisions,
and evaluate work loads and responsibilities during the budgeting process.
In zero-base budgeting the entire budget request (current and expansion)
can be viewed as a series of supplemental requests to a zero base. The
process starts with consideration of impacts, consequences, and levels
of service desired. Priorities are fixed among programs and activities.
Months of Employment
A unit of employment corresponding to a calendar month. In place of
a positions allotment, the state allots a certain number of months of
employment which can be assigned to a position, or a portion of a position,
at the discretion of the LEA. Months of employment pertain to allotments
for Vocational Education and Assistant Principals. Example: If an LEA
is allotted 100 months of employment, that LEA can hire 10 teachers
for 10 months; or 8 teachers for 12 months and 1 teacher for 4 months;
or any other combination which equals 100 months. Each allotment category
must be reviewed for any special restrictions.
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Nominal Dollars
The presentation of dollar amounts not adjusted for inflation. Adjusting
for inflation would be done to reflect the real purchasing power of
money today.
Noninstructional Support
Support positions and nonpersonnel dollars that do not have a direct
instructional relationship, such as clerical assistants and custodians.
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Object Codes
The object code indicates the service or commodity obtained as a result
of a specific expenditure. Seven major object categories are used in
the Chart of Accounts: 100 Salaries 200 Employee Benefits 300 Purchased
Services 400 Supplies and Materials 500 Capital Outlay 600 Other Objects
700 Transfers These broad categories are subdivided to obtain more detailed
information about objects of expenditures. A three-digit serial number
is used to provide detailed information.
Object of Expenditure
An expenditure classification, referring to the lowest and most detailed
level of classification, such as electricity, office supplies, asphalt,
and furniture.
Objective
Something to be accomplished in specific, well-defined, and measurable
terms and that is achievable within a specific time frame.
Obligations
Amounts which a government may be legally required to meet. They include
not only actual liabilities, but also encumbrances not yet paid.
Operating Expenses
The cost for personnel, materials, and equipment required for a department
to function.
Operating Revenue
Funds that the government receives as income to pay for ongoing operations.
It includes such items as taxes, fees from specific services, interest
earnings, and grant revenues. Operating revenues are used to pay for
day-to-day services.
Out-of-state Travel
Out-of-state travel status begins when the employee leaves the state
and remains in effect until the employee returns to the state. However,
in-state allowances and reimbursement rates apply when employees and
other qualified official travelers use hotel and meal facilities located
in North Carolina immediately prior to and returning from out-of-state
travel during the same travel period.
Output Indicator
A unit of work accomplished, without reference to the resources required
to do the work. Output indicators do not reflect the effectiveness or
efficiency of the work performed.
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Part-time Employee
Part-time employee means an employee who works at least one-half of
the hours worked by full-time employees in that class of work provided
that it is not less than twenty hours per week.
Pay-as-you-go Basis
A term used to describe a financial policy by which capital outlays
are financed from current revenues rather than through borrowing.
Pay Level
A level between 4-52 found in the NC Public School Personnel State Salary
Schedule which corresponds to the actual monthly or annual salary (not
including salary supplements) based on the individual's position and
classification. For each position and within each administrator classification,
there are several levels.
Pay Period
There are twelve pay periods per fiscal year corresponding to the twelve
calendar months. The first pay period for the fiscal year is designated
as "01" which refers to July, with the designation of "12" for June.
The pay period designation correlates to the calendar month in which
payment is made.
P & C
Purchasing and Contract - State agency that controls purchasing supplies
and equipment.
Permanent Employee
Permanent employee means an employee who is either: (a) employed with
the expectation of permanent employment, to fill a position that is
to be permanent if present needs and funds continue; or (b) employed,
for at least six full consecutive monthly pay periods within one contract,
to replace one or more employees who are on leave of absence without
pay. Permanent employees may be employed in a full-time or part-time
status.
Per Pupil Allotment
An allocation based on a per student basis as determined by the board
of education. All dollar amounts are established by grade level and
are based on the current year fortieth-day enrollment figures.
Per Pupil Expenditure
The annual current expenditures divided by the final average daily membership
for the year.
Performance Budget
A budget wherein expenditures are based primarily upon measurable performance
of activities and work programs.
Performance Indicators
Specific quantitative and qualitative measures of work performed as
an objective of specific departments or programs.
Performance
Measure Data collected to determine how effectively or efficiently a
program is at achieving its objectives.
Personal Services
Expenditures for salaries, wages, and fringe benefits of a government's
employees.
Planning Allotments
The tentative allocation of state and federal funds to LEAs to provide
information for budgeting purposes. These allotments occur during March
preceding the fiscal year for which the initial allotment will be made.
Positions
Positions equate to the full-time equivalent individuals that can be
assigned for the employment period represented by the allotment category.
For example, a position in the classroom teacher allotment represents
an employment period of 10 months, and in the principal allotment category
12 months. The number of full-time equivalent individuals that can be
employed is limited to the number of months associated with the positions
allotted by the state. Position Allotments The State allots positions
to a local school system for a specific purpose. The local school system
pays whatever is required to hire certified teachers and other educators,
based on the State Salary Schedule, without being limited to a specific
dollar amount. Each local school system will have a different average
salary based on the certified personnel's experience and education.
PRC
Program Report Code
Prior-Year Encumbrances
Obligations from previous fiscal years in the form of purchase orders,
contracts or salary commitments which are chargeable to an appropriation,
and for which a part of the appropriation is reserved. They cease to
be encumbrances when the obligations are paid or otherwise terminated.
Program
A group of related activities performed by one or more organizational
units for the purpose of accomplishing a function for which the government
is responsible.
Program Budget
A budget which allocates money to the functions or activities of a government
rather than to specific items of cost or to specific departments.
Program Enhancement
Positions allotted for art, music, physical education, dance, drama,
and foreign language. Also used to reduce class size.
Program Performance Budget
A method of budgeting whereby the services provided to the residents
are broken down in identifiable service programs or performance units.
A unit can be a department, a division, or a workgroup. Each program
has an identifiable service or output and objectives to effectively
provide the service. The effectiveness and efficiency of providing the
service by the program is measured by performance indicators.
Program Report Code
The program report code consists of two numeric digits. The program
describes a plan of activity or a funding for a particular activity.
This code allows the unit a framework for classifying expenditures by
program to determine cost. For a complete listing of the program report
codes, please refer to the NC Public Schools Uniform Chart of Accounts.
Program Revenue (Income)
Revenues earned by a program, including fees for services, license and
permit fees, and fines.
Projected Average Daily Membership
The process of comparing prior year and current year best continuous
three of first four months Average Daily Membership for the coming year.
This is the basis of state allotment for many items.
Purpose
A broad statement of the goals, in terms of meeting public service needs,
that a department is organized to meet.
Purpose Codes
Purpose means the reason for which something exists or is used. Purpose
includes the activities or actions that are performed to accomplish
the objectives of a local education agency.
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Reserve
An account used either to set aside budgeted revenues that are not required
for expenditure in the current budget year or to earmark revenues for
a specific future purpose.
Reserves
Reserves are credit balances which record the segregation of assets
for some future use and which are, therefore, not available for further
appropriation or expenditure.
Resolution
A special or temporary order of a legislative body; an order of a legislative
body requiring less legal formality than an ordinance or statute.
Resources
Total amounts available for appropriation including estimated revenues,
fund transfers, and beginning balances.
Revenue
Sources of income financing the operations of government.
Revenue Codes
Revenues received by a local education agency are classified by source
of revenue by category and/or purpose within each source. The major
sources of revenue are: 1. State 2. Federal 3. County Appropriation
4. Supplemental Taxes 5. Other revenues
Revenue Bond
This type of bond is backed only by the revenues form a specific enterprise
or project, such as a hospital or toll road.
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Salary
An employee's salary includes: (1) the amount of compensation to which
the employee is entitled during the year from the salary schedule, (2)
the amount of longevity pay, if any, to which the employee is entitled
during the year, and (3) the amount of local supplement, if applicable,
to which the employee is entitled during the school year.
Salary Audit
A verification by the Department of Public Instruction that the amount
paid to the individual is in accordance with the certified salary schedule.
SBE
State Board of Education
School
An organizational subdivision of a school system consisting of a group
of pupils composed of one or more grade groups, organized as one unit
with an assigned principal, or person acting in the capacity of principal,
to give instruction of the type defined in the NC Standard Course of
Study, and housed in a school plant of one or more buildings.
School Improvement Plan
All LEAs must delineate a set of student performance goals aimed at
increasing student achievement. These goals shall address specific,
measurable goals for all student performance indicators adopted by the
state board. Locally developed student performance goals must be stated
in terms of three-to five-year student performance goals, including
annual milestones to measure progress in meeting those goals.
Self-Contained Classroom - Exceptional Child
A separate class for exceptional children receiving special education
for more than 60% of the school day.
Self-Contained - Exceptional Child
A self-contained student refers to an exceptional student who is taught
in a separate class by exceptional children teachers for at least 60%
of his or her instructional day.
Senate Bill 2 (SB2)
The Flexibility and Accountability Statute approved by the 1989 General
Assembly (Senate Bill 2) which allows more flexibility and involvement
in decision making by teachers, principals, and parents in their efforts
to improve student achievement. The performance-based accountability
program is voluntary and each unit is participating. Units submit a
local school improvement plan to the State Board of Education with (1)
three-year student performance goals; (2) a differentiated pay plan
(if participating in differentiated pay); and (3) a request for waiver
of state laws and regulations that may inhibit the local accountability
goals.
Service Lease
A lease under which the lessor maintains and services the asset.
Service Level
Services or products which comprised actual or expected output of a
given program. Focus is on results, not measures of workload.
Short Term Disability
The length of short-term disability includes two months waiting period
and 12 months of benefits for a total of 14 months.
SIMS Ð Students Information Management System
This system is responsible for monitoring local boards of education
compliance with class size maximums in accordance with G. S. 115c-301.
Site-based Budgeting
A decentralized budget process whereby budget preparation and development
are based on individual school (and department) sites.
Source of Revenue
Revenues are classified according to their source or point of origin.
Special Categorical Funds
A dollar allotment which may be used to fund positions or other support
such as supplies, materials, etc., for that particular program.
State Allotted Positions/Months of Employment
Positions or months of employment allotted and paid from the State Public
School Fund.
State Formula
The calculations used by the state to fund various allotments to the
local education agency. Formulas can be based on number of positions
calculated on average daily membership (ADM), months of employment (MOE),
or flat dollar amounts.
State Public School Fund
Appropriations for the current operating expenses of the public school
system from moneys made available to the local school administrative
unit by the State Board of Education.
Student Accounting
The data collection system regarding student enrollment, membership,
attendance, and withdrawal from membership in the public schools. The
official document for the collection of data is the NC Public School
Register or the Student Information Management System (SIMS).
Subsistence
Subsistence is an allowance related to lodging, and meal costs, and
gratuities thereon.
Substitute Teacher
Substitute teacher means a person whose credentials have been evaluated
by the local superintendent, who has been determined to be capable of
performing substitute teaching duties, and who has been approved by
the local board of education.
Supplemental Appropriation
An additional appropriation made by the governing body after the budget
year or biennium has started.
Supplemental Request
Programs and services which departments would like to have added (in
priority order) over their target budget, or if revenue received is
greater than anticipated.
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Target Budget
Desirable expenditure levels provided to departments in developing the
coming year's recommended budget. Based on the prior year's adopted
budget, excluding one-time expenditures, projected revenues, and reserve
requirements.
Tax Levy
The resultant product when the tax rate per one hundred dollars is multiplied
by the tax base.
Taxes
Compulsory charges levied by a government for the purpose of financing
services performed for the common benefit of the people. This term does
not include specific charges made against particular persons or property
for current or permanent benefit, such as special assessments.
Teacher Certification
Area in which a teacher is qualified and certified to teach.
Tenth Day Adjustments
Adjustments to specific allotments following receipt of actual membership
data for the tenth day of school.
Title I
A federally-funded categorical and supplementary program which provides
federal assistance to state and local school systems through the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). The program was reauthorized
in 1994, by the Improving America's Schools Act. Its goals are to help
low-achieving children succeed in the classroom, attain grade level
proficiency, and acquire the higher level skills that all children are
expected to master.
Trainable Mentally Handicapped
Trainable mentally handicapped (TMH) refers to a student who is significantly
below general cognitive functioning and who has a reduced rate of learning
which adversely affects that student's educational performance.
Transfers In/Out
Amounts transferred from one fund to another to assist in financing
the services for the recipient fund.
Trust and Agency Fund
Revenues and expenditures for trust and agency funds as needed by the
local education agency to account for trust and agency arrangements
such as endowments, funds of individuals held by the School Finance
Officer, and special funds of individual schools.
Tydings Amendment
Federal law provides that certain federal funds not obligated during
the first year of allotment shall remain available for obligation and
expenditure for one additional year. Federal grant periods vary. Therefore,
each grant must be reviewed to determine if the Tydings Amendment will
apply. Since the federal fiscal year begins October 1 and the state
fiscal year begins July 1, many grant periods can be active up to 27
months when provisions of the Tydings Amendment are applicable.
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Unencumbered Balance
The amount of an appropriation that is neither expended nor encumbered.
It is essentially the amount of money still available for future purposes.
Uniform Budget Format
The State Board of Education, in cooperation with the Local Government
Commission, shall cause to be prepared and promulgated a standard budget
format for use by local school administrative units throughout the state.
The format shall be organized to enable the board of education and the
board of county commissioners to accomplish the local fiscal policies
embodied in the uniform budget format, facilitate the control and fiscal
management of the local school administrative unit, and facilitate the
gathering of accurate and reliable fiscal data on the operation of the
public school system.
Uniform Chart of Accounts
In 1975, the General Assembly enacted a law requiring a uniform accounting
system for all local education agencies effective July 1, 1976. The
NC Public Schools Uniform Chart of Accounts is a complete listing of
account codes for recording public school expenditures by different
dimensions available for LEAs. It classified the individual accounts
by fund, function, program report code, and object.
Unreserved Fund Balance
The portion of a fund's balance that is not restricted for a specific
purpose and is available for general appropriation.
User Charges
The payment of a fee for direct receipt of a public service by the party
who benefits from the service.
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Variable Cost
A cost that increases/decreases with increases/decreases in the amount
of service provide such as the payment of a salary.
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Waiver for Unavailable Categories
Provides a separate account into which LEAs may transfer fund to cover
the purchases of items (not personnel) not found in the Chart of Accounts
for other categories.
Willie M.
A service provided to a special group of students with a variety of
problems and circumstances. To be certified as a Willie M. class member,
each student must fit all of the following criteria: be under 18, have
been diagnosed as emotionally, mentally, or neurologically handicapped,
have a history of violent or assaultive behavior against self or others,
not already be receiving services appropriate to the child's needs,
and have been involved with juvenile court, or institutionalized.
Workload Indicator
A unit of work to be done.
Workweek
For overtime purposes, according to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the
workweek is a fixed and regularly recurring period of 168 hours - seven
consecutive 24-hour periods. A nonexempt employee is entitled to overtime
at time and one-half for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. It
may begin on any day of the week and any hour of the day established
by the employer.
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Year Round Education
Reorganization of the school calendar into instructional blocks with
vacations distributed across the calendar year so that learning is continuous
throughout the year