This week I would like to provide you with some background information about how our system obtains its funding. The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is among a very limited number of educational operations nationwide that receives money from the Department of Defense (DoD) through the Defense Appropriations Act. DoDEA is not a part of the Department of Education. As you may know, most public school systems in the United States are funded by local property taxes and are eligible to receive millions of dollars in federal and state grants and in private sector contributions. This is not true for our system.

     Our budget system involves submission of our requirements to the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Those requirements are consolidated with other DoD departments and agencies, submitted to Congress and eventually signed into law by the President.

     Often, in the budget process, there are delays, increases, and reductions for a variety of reasons. Many factors, such as the current political environment, contribute to the final allocation of funds. As a system, we must react to these situations. Thus, when DoDEA receives notice of a significant budget cut, I convene my management team to develop a short-term strategy that allows us to slow operations within the Pacific without directly impacting educational programs and services at the classroom level. I also work closely with the district superintendents.

     In November 2002, DoDDS Pacific learned that our budget would be cut by $15M, almost twice as much as the prior year. Following a meeting with my management team, we slowed down the procurement of computers, deferred facility projects not necessary for the health or safety of our students and staff, and reduced above school level administrative and logistical support costs. During the fiscal year, a portion of the budget cut may be restored due to restoration of foreign currency reductions and reprogramming actions. At this time, I am pleased to say that because of judicious planning and decision making by my management team, DoDDS Pacific has been able to execute all initiatives at the school level including classroom support for materials, equipment and supplies, and provide a wide range of extracurricular activities for students.

     Our Fiscal Year 2003 budget supports all school, district, and area operations in the Pacific. My objective is to ensure that we spend our money prudently and in keeping with the overall goals of our DoDEA Community Strategic Plan (CSP). I want to make certain that dollars are allocated to programs and services in support of our mission and our goals. Goal 2, Outcome A, of the DoDEA CSP states: “All appropriate operational levels will have the resources, authority, and accountability to ensure equitable student access to programs and support services necessary to achieve or exceed individual education standards.” I am committed to this outcome, and I will continue to work closely with my management team and the district superintendents to ensure that our budget plan provides the resources to support access to high quality educational services and programs for all DoDDS Pacific students.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS Pacific