Which guideline should educators follow when planning their next year's budget?

Doing a self-critique of last year's budget is vital for educators as it allows them to assess the effectiveness of their financial decisions and resource allocations. By reflecting on what worked and what didn’t in the previous year, educators can identify areas for improvement and better align their budget with the goals and needs of their programs. This process not only fosters accountability but also encourages a more strategic approach to planning, ensuring that funds are directed towards initiatives that yield the best outcomes in fire and life safety education.

In contrast, ignoring records from the previous year would eliminate valuable insights and hinder growth, while relying solely on past spending does not take into account the changing needs or potential improvements that could be made. Seeking external funding alone might neglect internal resources and overlook the importance of effectively managing the existing budget. Therefore, analyzing last year's budget provides a comprehensive understanding needed for sound financial planning in the following year.