Experiences of School Heads in Budget Management: Uncovering Challenges and Best Practices

This study explored the experiences of school heads in managing school budgets, focusing on the challenges they encounter and the strategies they employ to cope with these issues. Adopting a phenomenological approach, the study sought to uncover the lived realities of school heads through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using a coding technique to extract meaningful themes. Regarding the challenges in budget management, participants identified Insufficient Budget Allocation, Delayed Release of Funds, Lack of Financial Management Training, and Rigid and Bureaucratic Budgeting Processes as key concerns. These challenges often hinder efficient school operations and resource utilization. To address these issues, school heads adopted several coping strategies, including Prioritization and Strategic Planning, Stakeholder Engagement and Resource Mobilization, and Continuous Professional Learning. These adaptive measures enabled them to navigate systemic limitations and maximize available resources for school development. The study also generated significant educational insights. Three major themes emerged: the importance of Financial Literacy among school leaders, the Need for Systemic Support and Policy Reforms, and the critical Role of Collaborative Leadership in Budget Efficiency. These findings underscore the urgent need for capacity-building programs, policy enhancements, and shared governance to strengthen school financial management.