What does decentralization in school budgeting imply?

Decentralization in school budgeting primarily implies that principals and school leaders have the authority to manage and allocate their campus budgets independently. This approach allows for decisions to be made at the school level, enabling leaders to respond more effectively to the specific needs and priorities of their schools. By granting principals the flexibility to use their funds as they see fit, decentralization encourages innovation, tailored resource allocation, and accountability, as school leaders are directly responsible for the fiscal management and educational outcomes of their campuses.

The focus on site-based decision-making is core to effective decentralized budgeting, as it empowers local administrators and creates a more responsive educational environment.