ABSTRACT
Budgets are divided into categories, or budget lines, each designated for purchasing particular items or services. Every budget line is referenced by a specific numeric code. The majority of school purchases are made with a purchase order. A purchase order is essentially a promise from the school to make a payment for goods or services. Most vendors accept purchase orders because they recognize that schools reliably pay their bills. Still, always contact potential vendors to make sure they accept them. If not, work with the district’s financial office to find an alternate means of payment. This is usually possible, but may involve extra paperwork, and most districts discourage it as the regular procedure for ordering. Even if a separate budget manager oversees school-wide music finances, good planning is the responsibility of the director. Keep in mind that district funds cannot usually be carried over to the next fiscal year, and thus must be spent out.
