Clockwork Operations: Student Achievement Within A Collaborative Environment Charles A. Burbridge, Chief Financial Officer and Nader Sohrab, Comptroller

Clockwork Operations: Student Achievement Within A Collaborative Environment Challenges: Financial condition with multiple qualifications and audit findings Extended procurement fulfillment cycle time, undocumented processes and procedures resulting in open records requests and protests District financial reputation was at significant risk Reputational risk was taking focus away from student achievement 2

Key Performance Indicators and Operational Systems Impact on Urban Student Achievement Student Achievement Business Operations Finance Human Resources Information Technology Perform operation reviews and risk assessments to identify and take appropriate action to mitigate risks 3

Key Performance Indicators and Operational Systems Impact on Urban Student Achievement Strategic Process Improvements: Conduct National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) study of Procurement department and implement recommended best practice process improvements Use cross-functional teams and collaboration Adopt and deploy project methodology Align organizational structure Adopt communication tools such as team meetings and surveys to identify opportunities and raise concerns Implement system upgrades and new functionality based on cost benefit analysis 4

Key Performance Indicators and Operational Systems Impact on Urban Student Achievement Continued Process Improvements: Review current practices and propose changes as needed Align goals and objectives to performance management system and district scorecard Re-implement and use ERP system to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of processes Define staff development and professional education plans Develop KPIs to support process improvements 5

Key Performance Indicators and Operational Systems Impact on Urban Student Achievement Results: Unqualified audit opinions for the past three years No financial audit findings for Fiscal Year 2010 A-133 audit cycles compressed from 20 months to 7 months Monthly close completed 5 business days after month-end Financial and Budget presentation awards from both GFOA and ASBO Successfully addressed and implemented 47 of the 54 NIGP Procurement recommendations to date Improved fulfillment cycle times and user community confidence 6

Key Performance Indicators and Operational Systems Impact on Urban Student Achievement Conclusion: The challenges presented opportunities to promote a collaborative culture through a fundamentals-based approach focused on an assessment of people, process and tools The solution established a framework for developing operational functions that perform like “clockwork”; thereby, providing effective and efficient support to student achievement The challenges at Atlanta Public Schools were no different than those identified by the peer reviews conducted by the Council of Great City Schools and presented at the September 16, 2011 CFO Conference Effective leadership is critical 7