Allovue: How a New Software Platform Is Helping Schools Follow Their Money — and Make Sure It’s Working for Every Student
Once a middle school teacher in Baltimore, Jess Gartner recognized the significant budget discrepancies among schools within the same district. Each school had a different allocation of resources, even though they had similar populations and funding models. One school might lack basic supplies like books and paper, while another had abundant resources such as iPads and extra teachers. This disparity prompted Gartner to establish Allovue and develop its Balance software platform. The goal was to address the budgeting challenges in school districts by providing educators with a comprehensive view of how every dollar is allocated and spent.
Despite a total annual expenditure of around $635 billion on public education in the United States, there is a lack of quality data on how this money is actually used. While data on teachers and students have entered the digital age, some districts continue to rely on outdated financial systems that may result in misallocated funds. Allovue seeks to bring innovation to district financial data and ensure that educators have a clear understanding of their budget allocation and expenditure.
The timing of Allovue’s creation is particularly opportune due to the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act. This legislation requires districts to report specific per-pupil expenditures at the school level, rather than relying on districtwide averages that fail to account for unique student demographics. Gartner finds it coincidental that this legislation aligns with the core values they have been advocating for. Even if the legislation were to be repealed, Allovue would continue promoting the importance of tracking expenditure at the school level, considering factors such as neighborhood affluence and high-needs populations.
Allovue’s Balance software enables districts to track budgets in near-real time, facilitating continuous strategic budgeting, planning, monitoring, and effective management of funds. Gartner emphasizes the importance of making financial data easily accessible and analytical on a day-to-day basis, similar to how one can monitor their personal bank account. This approach has been met with enthusiasm from administrators who have adopted the program, as it provides them with a comprehensive view of their financial situation and enables informed decision-making.
Large districts managing thousands of students, hundreds of schools, and numerous account codes have found Allovue particularly useful. These districts often struggle with tracking expenditures and may miss out on utilizing grant funds effectively. An Allovue trend study revealed that 71 percent of Title 1 funding was spent in the final quarter of the school year, indicating a lack of intentional spending. Allovue aims to address this issue by providing districts with the necessary tools to monitor and manage their finances in a more deliberate manner.
Administrators who have implemented Allovue report significant benefits. They are now able to tie every dollar spent to specific staff, programs, and technology, enabling them to assess its impact on student outcomes. Laura Larimer, an information technology officer at Indianapolis Public Schools, praises Allovue for providing immediate access to financial account status, enabling better planning for future projects and expenditures. Similarly, Chris Marczak, superintendent of Maury County Public Schools in Tennessee, commends Allovue’s meaningful analysis and reporting, which allow his district to have real-time insights into financial information.
According to Gartner, there has been a strong focus solely on one aspect of student performance, which is the end results. Our discussions revolve entirely around the outcomes, while little attention is given to the input and resources that contribute to student success.