Part of the Oklahoma School Finance for Leaders Series
Module I serves as the foundation for the Oklahoma School Finance for Leaders (OSFL) series. This experience introduces participants to the values, governance structures, and revenue systems that shape public education finance across Oklahoma. The concepts explored in this module provide the lens through which all subsequent finance topics are examined. Beyond Numbers OSFL is not merely a course about budgets, formulas, and accounting procedures. Participants explore how funding decisions reflect public priorities, political choices, community values, and educational goals. The module emphasizes the broader purposes and implications of school finance rather than technical mechanics alone. Designed for Practicing Leaders Created specifically for busy educational leaders, each learning experience emphasizes practical understanding, reflection, and application. Participants develop a stronger foundation for interpreting finance policies, evaluating funding decisions, and understanding how educational resources support student opportunities Guided by Oklahoma's Core Values Every module is anchored in four enduring education values that serve as recurring themes throughout the suite: • Opportunity • Community • Equity • Accountability Participants learn how these values influence funding systems, governance decisions, resource allocation, and public expectations for schools. A Connected Leadership Journey Participants may complete Module I as a standalone experience or continue through the complete OSFL Series. Future modules examine state aid formulas, budgeting practices, federal programs, school operations, special populations, school choice, and other critical dimensions of educational finance.
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Jeffrey Maiden is a professor and former educational leader with a passion for helping leaders navigate the complexity of digital learning. Drawing on experience in leadership, research, and professional learning, he created the Strategic AI Leadership in Education (SAILE) suite to help busy educational leaders better understand systems, strengthen coherence, and take purposeful action. His work is guided by the LEADS Framework and a commitment to practical, meaningful leadership development.
A Welcome Message for Your AI Leadership Journey!
In this brief introduction video, Dr. Jeffrey Maiden welcomes participants to Module I and provides an overview of the values, governance structures, and revenue systems that form the foundation of Oklahoma public school finance.
Perspectives about the Series from Educational Leaders
Leadership Perspective: "The experience challenged me to think beyond a district management paradigm toward a leader stewardship approach that frames leadership through relationships, instructional purpose, organizational culture, and professional judgment."
Practical Relevance: "As I transitioned into a district leadership role, I found myself returning to the ideas presented in each video as they closely mirrored the decisions I was making in practice."
Expert Perspective: Dr. Maiden has created eight different learning experiences that are deeply aligned and support educator excellence. Using his values framework allows educators to make decisions that enhance teaching and learning and promote greater depths of student achievement.
Reflection and Professional Growth: "Rather than offering a prescriptive model of leadership, the series encouraged thoughtful reflection."
Overall Experience: "The experience was uplifting"
Understand the Values That Shape School Finance
Examine how Opportunity, Community, Equity, and Accountability influence educational policy, funding decisions, and public expectations for Oklahoma schools.
Connect Governance, Responsibility, and Resources
Learn how authority is distributed among the Legislature, State Board of Education, Oklahoma State Department of Education, local boards, administrators, county officials, and voters.
Apply a Systems Perspective to School Finance
Develop a stronger understanding of how state, local, and federal revenue streams work together to support district operations.
About the learning experience
Public education finance is far more than a collection of formulas, appropriations, and accounting procedures. Funding systems embody public values, distribute authority, and shape educational opportunities for students across Oklahoma. Through concise video segments, guided reflection, practical application activities, and professional dialogue, participants move beyond technical understanding to examine how educational values, governance structures, and revenue systems interact within a complex public environment. As participants progress through the experience, they complete a series of structured reflections and leadership applications that are compiled into a downloadable reflective journal. The journal serves as an ongoing professional resource, capturing insights, analyses, and leadership actions that can inform future decision-making. Participants conclude the experience with: • A deeper understanding of Oklahoma's education values and their relationship to school finance • An understanding of governance structures and accountability systems in Oklahoma education • A foundational knowledge of state, local, and federal revenue sources • A systems perspective for interpreting future finance topics • A downloadable Professional Development Certificate of Completion • A downloadable reflective learning journal
How the Experience Works
Participants move from understanding to action through a structured process of reflection, analysis, application, and leadership planning. Video → Reflect → Apply → Integrate → Leadership Action → Dialogue
Build a Strong Foundation for Understanding School Finance
Send purchase orders to: [email protected]
$120.00