Reference no: EM133107247

Question - In this thread, you will take the role of a nonpartisan budget staff in the New Jersey Department of Education. The new Commissioner (Chief Executive of the Department) has requested your office to help her prepare a plan to significantly increase the number of charter schools in the state. After an initial appropriation of $100 million, she believes her plan will eventually lower costs yet significantly improve school performance.

This plan will have to pass through the State Treasury Department's Office of Management and Budget before it goes to the Governor. The Commissioner will advocate for the plan. Nonpartisan budget staff needs to offer nonpartisan guidance to the Commissioner and develop the budget for this effort. The Commissioner needs this report in three weeks.

1. What information do you need to create this plan?

2. What are the most important points that you would include in this plan, what's important for the Commissioner to know?

3. What questions do you need to ask before you begin?

4. What questions should the Department of Education's nonpartisan budget office raise and what questions should the Commissioner address?

5. Are there important limitations to the plan that you may need to include in it?

These questions can provide a framework for your response. Answering each one can lead you to ask additional questions.

Identify the sequence of steps you need to complete to produce a solid budget within the timeline and address all limits of your budget plan.