Financial
Frederick County
Howard County
Carroll County
Frederick County
The number of projected students in each school determines each library's budget amount. This type of budget distribution is called a per pupil allotment. For example, if a school is projected to enroll 600 students, the per pupil allotment is calculated using that number and then a dollar amount for elementary, middle, or high school. For 2011, elementary schools receive $14.43 per pupil, middle schools receive $14.91 per pupil, and high schools receive $15.53 per pupil.
In addition to this budget, certain schools around the county are allocated additional funds because they fall below state standards for collection size. Most older schools without recent renovation house undersized collections. These libraries receive extra money through the Enhancement Grants. About 10 - 12 years ago, the state started giving school districts money for elementary library collections as long as the county matched the funds. The state did away with the program, but Frederick County continued with it and expanded it into the secondary schools as well.
Media Allocations
Enhancement Grants
By the end of November, school librarians are expected to have spent 80% of their budget. In the spring of each year, every school librarian receives information outlining the procurement process for periodicals. Periodical subscriptions are charged against the school library's budget for the following fiscal year. The school library supervisor pays for the county's collective database subscriptions, but individual school librarians may purchase additional databases with their school-based funds.
Most purchases on the school level happen through a purchase order. School librarians use PeopleSoft to submit, maintain, and update each purchase order. Training on PeopleSoft is ongoing because the software is frequently updated. The purchase orders must be approved by the school library supervisor. Once a school librarian has submitted an order, he or she must create a pdf of the order, input the encumbered amount into PeopleSoft, and submit the purchase order for approval. The librarian upon receiving an order, must align the packing slip with the original order and then enter the actual amount paid into Peoplesoft. School librarians may also maintain open purchase orders throughout the school year. Open purchase orders are convenient, allowing flexibility and immediacy.
Most school librarians have access to a library materials account (i.e. books, dvds, cds, e-books, etc.) and a supplies account. School librarians may also use a fundraiser account. The school library supervisor, must approve all account expenditures, including any purchased made with fundraiser funds. Fundraiser funds use a different code than the money that comes through the BoE. The allocated school library budget is used for books, magazine subscriptions, newspapers, online subscriptions, library supplies, audiovisual materials, media center computer software, and materials of instruction (MOI). The school library budget will not buy equipment, textbooks, or computer hardware. If a school librarian wishes to purchase any equipment, the money must come out of a fundraiser fund.
Library Media Handbook
Howard County
Howard County schools work on a per pupil allocation deposited in July in the Operating Budget. For the 2010-2011 school year that allocation was $8.80 per pupil. This included the budget for periodicals. The money is to be spent on materials that will be used for the current school year. It is encouraged that the money be spent before winter break. A separate amount is given to each school to be used for supplies, including items such as book binding materials and toner for all school printers. In addition to the per pupil allocation, librarians can qualify for equity funds. In order to qualify for equity funds in 2010-2011, school librarians must complete the following:
- All 2010-2011 Book and AV budget funds encumbered by 2/1/11. Approximately $300 may be retained after this date for incidental purchases.
- 5% of total collection weeded in 10/11 school year (weeding figures obtained from Molly Kelley)
- Periodical order for 2011/2012 less than 10% of Book & AV budget.
- All required reports (Annual MSDE Library Media Report, Annual MSDE Technology Inventory, and HCPSS Annual Library Media Report) submitted on or before the deadline.
Library Media Handbook
Carroll County
Budgets of materials and supplies for is based on student enrollment and principal dictation. When ordering in the spring, librarians estimate their spending budget based on the previous year’s amount. Adjustments to the budget may be made, based on enrollment, the following Fall. The following budget is allotted to each category:
- Materials and Supplies:
- 40-60% of total weeded materials (MSDE focus)
- Less than $1,000 on instructional supplies and materials used by staff
- Equipment and Furniture:
- Less than $1,000 on Audiovisual equipment
- $1,000+ on equipment and/or furniture
New orders for the next school year must be submitted by July. All library funds will be hindered by December 15.
Fundrasing- Each year, school librarians may choose to host a Scholastic or Troll book fair. All proceeds are granted to go towards the school library budget if the school librarian is in charge of the book fair. Some schools opt to have the PTA in charge of the book fair, and therefore only a portion of the funds made will be granted to the school library.
Library Media Handbook, Section V-1
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