
Public School Finance Decoded
A Straightforward Approach to Linking the Budget to Student Achievement, Second Edition
Jay C. Toland(Author)
Bloomsbury Academic (Publisher)
2nd Edition
Will be published approx. on 9. July 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
184 pages
979-8-8818-0010-9 (ISBN)
Description
Public School Finance Decoded, Second Edition demystifies one of education's most complex and misunderstood topics-how financial decisions shape student achievement. Written from the perspective of an experienced chief financial officer, the book bridges the gap between finance officers, educators, and policymakers by translating budgets, audits, and ratios into clear, actionable strategies that drive learning results.
This fully updated edition explores the financial ecosystem of public schools-from staffing and school-level budgeting to transportation, child nutrition, maintenance, and technology. Each chapter blends research, real-world data, and case studies drawn from actual district experiences, illustrating how effective financial leadership improves outcomes.
Designed for both specialists and non-specialists, the book includes reflection prompts and discussion questions to support professional learning and graduate coursework. With practical tools, federal funding updates (ESSER, Title programs), and efficiency indicators, Public School Finance Decoded empowers superintendents, principals, board members, and business officers to align every dollar with the district's mission: advancing student achievement through sound financial stewardship.
This fully updated edition explores the financial ecosystem of public schools-from staffing and school-level budgeting to transportation, child nutrition, maintenance, and technology. Each chapter blends research, real-world data, and case studies drawn from actual district experiences, illustrating how effective financial leadership improves outcomes.
Designed for both specialists and non-specialists, the book includes reflection prompts and discussion questions to support professional learning and graduate coursework. With practical tools, federal funding updates (ESSER, Title programs), and efficiency indicators, Public School Finance Decoded empowers superintendents, principals, board members, and business officers to align every dollar with the district's mission: advancing student achievement through sound financial stewardship.
Reviews / Votes
Public School Finance Decoded makes the case-clearly and convincingly-that financial leadership is inseparable from instructional leadership. This second edition reinforces why the CFO, finance director, and treasurer must be at the decision-making table, connecting fiscal strategy directly to student outcomes. A practical and timely resource for district leaders navigating increasingly complex financial environments. -- Randy Bridges * EdD., President of Creative Education Solutions, Inc. * The second edition of Public School Finance Decoded strengthens the link between budgeting, strategic planning, and student success. It equips school and district leaders with the tools to understand not only how money is spent but also why it matters. A must-read for leaders seeking to align resources with results. -- Dr. Freddie Williamson * Superintendent of The Public Schools of Robeson County * Public School Finance Decoded is an essential text in my graduate-level school finance and leadership courses. It bridges theory and practice, helping students-many of whom are current or aspiring district leaders-understand how financial decisions directly influence student outcomes. The book provides a practical framework that students can immediately apply in real-world settings. -- Dr. Terrence McAllister * Assistant Professor, Fayetteville State University * Public School Finance Decoded, Second Edition is an essential guide for anyone committed to strengthening student outcomes through strategic financial leadership. Jay C. Toland masterfully translates the complexities of school finance into clear, actionable practices that directly support teaching, learning, and equity. Mr. Toland is one of the leading experts in the field of school finance and business operations in the country. As the Chief Business Officer in Cumberland County Schools, he ensures that the district budget aligns with and advances strategic plan goals for student success. His practical insights, real-world examples, and transparent approach make this book an invaluable resource for educators, administrators, and policymakers seeking to link dollars to results. I highly recommend this outstanding work. -- Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr. * retired Superintendent, Cumberland County Schools, and former Chief of Staff, Wake County Public School System *More details
Series
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Illustrations
4 b/w figures
Dimensions
Height: 226 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
280 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-8818-0010-9 (9798881800109)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Jay C. Toland
Public School Finance Decoded
A Straightforward Approach to Linking the Budget to Student Achievement, Second Edition
E-Book
06/2026
2nd Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€24.99
Available for download

Jay C. Toland
Public School Finance Decoded
A Straightforward Approach to Linking the Budget to Student Achievement, Second Edition
E-Book
06/2026
2nd Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€24.99
Available for download
Previous edition

Jay C. Toland
Public School Finance Decoded
A Straightforward Approach to Linking the Budget to Student Achievement
Book
10/2016
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
€67.60
Shipment within 10-20 days
Person
Jay Toland is a chief financial officer with more than fifteen years of experience in public school and local government finance. He has served as CFO and Associate Superintendent for Business Operations in multiple North Carolina districts, earning recognition from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) and the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for excellence in budgeting and financial reporting. A Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and School Finance Officer (SFO), Toland is known for connecting strategic financial leadership to measurable gains in student achievement.
Content
Introduction
Chapter 1. How Finance and Student Achievement Go Hand in Hand
Chapter 2. Looking at the Past to Predict the Future
Chapter 3. The Plan For Student Achievement - The Budget
Chapter 4. A Granular Look at School-Level Budgeting
Chapter 5. How to Use District Efficiency Indicators
Chapter 6. What Expenses to Include in the Indicators
Chapter 7. Child Nutrition Ratios
Chapter 8. Maintenance and Operation of Plant Ratios
Chapter 9. Transportation Ratios
Chapter 10. Technology Ratios
Chapter 11. Other Ratios to Consider
Chapter 12. What Expenditures Directly Correlate with Student Achievement
Chapter 13. Linking the Strategic Plan to the Budget
Chapter 14. How It All Fits Together
References
Index
About the Author
Chapter 1. How Finance and Student Achievement Go Hand in Hand
Chapter 2. Looking at the Past to Predict the Future
Chapter 3. The Plan For Student Achievement - The Budget
Chapter 4. A Granular Look at School-Level Budgeting
Chapter 5. How to Use District Efficiency Indicators
Chapter 6. What Expenses to Include in the Indicators
Chapter 7. Child Nutrition Ratios
Chapter 8. Maintenance and Operation of Plant Ratios
Chapter 9. Transportation Ratios
Chapter 10. Technology Ratios
Chapter 11. Other Ratios to Consider
Chapter 12. What Expenditures Directly Correlate with Student Achievement
Chapter 13. Linking the Strategic Plan to the Budget
Chapter 14. How It All Fits Together
References
Index
About the Author