1. School Finances
Stretching the School Budget

2. Overview
Declining grants
Increasing unemployment
Rising running costs
High expectations
Principals under pressure to perform
Pockets of good practice everywhere

3. Sourcing Extra Money
www.jb4grants.ie - e.g. Better Energy
Workplaces grant (SEAI)
Co. Council – amenity, community, arts
Departmental – EWG, Summer works
Fundraising (e.g. cards/concerts/photos)
Courses on site
Minor works – Can insurance pay?

4. Lowering Running Costs
Website –www.weebly.com scoilnet
Photocopier
Appreciated volunteers
Electricity (standing charge+unit rate –
Energia)
Telephone – difficult – requires change in
practices

5. Lowering Running Costs
www.ninite.com
Links www.stjosephsskibbereen.ie
Green schools (water/oil/energy usage)
Caretaker –
painter/carpenter/electrician/plumber
IT maintenance – an appreciated volunteer

6. Finding Value
Laptop purchasing scheme
Group purchasing (cpsma, SW Group
Purchasing Scheme, IPPN?)
Check prices online
www.batteryupgrade.com
Compare with UK prices
“Free” Homework Journals

7. Finding Value
Oil/Books/Bus – Get quote outside local
circles for comparison
Electronics/memory sticks/paper/card/ books
– all cheaper online
Play businesses off one another
Remember who you work for
www.principalship.net
Be generous with small sums