Superintendents' Self-Efficacy in Strategic and Financial Planning

Experts in education financial and strategic planning were surveyed using the Panel of Experts Validation. The results were used to develop a valid survey titled Superintendents’ Self-Efficacy of Strategic and Financial Planning and to determine what experts prioritize when creating strategic and financial plans. Using this new instrument, eighty-six Indiana K-12 public school superintendents responded. The instrument consisted of ten survey items in Strategic Planning and 14 in Financial Planning. The participants were asked to examine each item and rate their level of confidence in their ability to carry out the task referenced in that item, on a numerical scale. The results of this study indicated the predictor variable of financial planning significantly predicts the amount of variance in the criterion variable of strategic planning (F(1, 84) = 24.59, p < 0.001). The results also indicated Indiana superintendents have a high level of confidence in leading engagement opportunities to communicate how the Average Daily Membership (ADM) impacts the development of the district’s financial planning. Additionally, their confidence is high in adapting the financial plan annually to align with the adapted strategic plan and ensuring compliance with allowable expenses from within the Education Fund and the Operation Fund. Furthermore, their self-efficacy excels in describing the role and utilization of property taxes in school district’s financial planning. They also demonstrate strong confidence in analyzing data to determine the school district’s needs and the ability to allocate resources to align with the strategic plan.