We help educators and students learn and apply powerful problem-solving tools which not only increase individual effectiveness, but when used with others, can unleash the collective power of many minds. A school or district’s most important—yet often under-utilized- resource lies within the minds of its people.

Special Applications

Building and Implementing Better Budget Solutions

TEF has identified 7 very common traps that districts fall into when doing their budgeting. Do any of these apply to your district?

7 Common Budgeting Traps:

  1. Focusing too much on numbers and not enough on people
  2. Opting for fast or decisive action - not necessarily the right action
  3. Setting forth without a plan
  4. Overlooking, undervaluing, or not expecting the best thinking from others
  5. Ineffectively using data or information
  6. Underestimating the need for ongoing, two-way communication
  7. Treating implementation as an afterthought


We provide a three phase process to help districts learn and apply our analytic tools to make and implement critical budget determinations.

Key Elements of TEF Budget Process

Phase Activities Deliverables
1 Two-day work session District-specific plan for budget work
  Data Gathering Essential budget data and information
    Endorsed budget objectives
2 Two-day work session Proposed budget actions
    Initial risk analysis
    Comprehensive communications plan
3 One-day work session Budget implementation plan
    System for monitoring for results


Benefits of the TEF Budget Approach

  • Provides roadmap for budget work within your district
  • Ensures end results that are effective and consistent with district priorities
  • Encourages "breakout" thinking to identify budget actions not previously considered
  • Provides clear, transparent rationale for budget recommendations
  • Secures involvement and support for recommended budget actions
  • Builds in-district skills for future budget resolutions
  • Provides for smooth implementation and ongoing monitoring of results
  • Utilizes TEF staff experienced in district leadership and consulting
  • Engenders confidence of school board and others

To learn more about our TEF budgeting approach, please contact us via email or phone at 866-268-3980.