The Financial Perspective of Schools in Improving Education Quality

(Case Study at Gekbrong 1 Public Elementary School in Cianjur Regency)

Abstract

Improvements in the quality of education at the elementary school level are greatly influenced by the effectiveness of school financial management as a strategic component in supporting the learning process. This study was motivated by the gap between school financial management policies and their implementation in the field, such as suboptimal planning, delays in reporting, and a lack of stakeholder participation in decision-making related to the use of funds. In terms of policy, this study refers to Law No. 20 of 2003 concerning the National Education System and Permendikbudristek of 2025 concerning National Education Standards, which emphasize the principles of efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability in the management of education funds. The results of the study show that raw inputs in the form of regulations and stakeholder roles provide a strong foundation for school financial management, but their implementation is still hampered by limited managerial competence and suboptimal coordination. The financial management process follows five main stages (strategy formulation, planning, program development, implementation, and evaluation), but still requires improvement in terms of transparency, participation, and documentation. The output in the form of improved school performance can be seen through the provision of infrastructure and more effective learning implementation. The outcome in the form of improved education quality is beginning to be seen in the creation of a more conducive learning environment, increased participation of the school community, and increased community satisfaction with education services. The study concludes that a strategic, transparent, and participatory approach to school financial management contributes significantly to improving the quality of education. It recommends strengthening the capacity of financial managers, integrating performance-based planning, and involving stakeholders in the entire school financial management cycle.