What is the mission of the Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) and the Pathway to the MBA program?
The mission of the MBA and the Pathway to the MBA program is to promote excellence in the presentation and development of school district budgets.
What is the Meritorious Budget Award?
The MBA recognizes school districts in the United States and Canada for excellence in school budget presentation, setting a high standard for transparent budget development. Previous and first-time applicants are welcome to apply by completing all four
MBA Criteria Checklist sections.
What is the Pathway to the MBA?
The Pathway to the MBA is an introductory program that allows school districts to ease into full MBA compliance while still recognizing the same quality of budget presentation standards. First- and second-time Pathway applicants are welcome to apply by completing the Executive Summary and one other FY 2019–2020
MBA Criteria Checklist section.
What is the difference between the MBA and the Pathway to the MBA?
Review details of the two award programs by checkbox on the
Apply Page.
Why apply for the MBA or the Pathway to the MBA?
Participating in the MBA or Pathway to the MBA program gives you the tools you need to develop an award-winning budget and helps you:
- Earn Credibility – Earning a budget award verifies your adherence to nationally recognized standards.
- Gain Confidence – The award builds trust among your colleagues, school board, and community.
- Establish Goals – Collaboration between departments helps in developing short-term and long-range budget goals, as well as promoting sound fiscal management practices.
- Learn Best Practices – The professional review team’s valuable feedback about your budget helps you improve your budget each time you apply.
When is the application deadline?
Submit your application to ASBO International no later than 90 days after your budget’s legal approval. Email your application to
MBA@asbointl.org.
Deadline extensions are available and are granted on a month-to-month basis. To request an extension, email
MBA@asbointl.org.
What are the required MBA application materials?
Your MBA application packet must include the following materials:
- Completed MBA application.
- Cover letter specifying any criteria that do not apply to your district.
- FY 2019–2020 MBA Criteria Checklist (mandatory for all applicants).
- Previous year’s review team comments (if applicable).
- School district’s responses to the previous year’s comments (if applicable).
- Budget document or link.
What are the required Pathway to the MBA application materials?
Your Pathway to the MBA application packet must include:
- Completed Pathway to the MBA application.
- Cover letter specifying any criteria that do not apply to your district.
- FY 2019–2020 MBA Criteria Checklist (Executive Summary and one other section the first year. The Executive Summary and a different section the second year).
- Previous year’s review team comments (if applicable).
- School district’s responses to the previous year’s comments (if applicable).
- Budget document or link.
Where do I send the completed application?
Submit application materials in electronic form to
MBA@asbointl.org (preferred). If you are unable to submit electronically, application materials and payment (check or credit card information) may be mailed to:
ASBO International
Meritorious Budget Award
44790 Maynard Square, Suite 200
Ashburn, VA 20147
What is the application fee?
Application fees are based on your district’s total revenue. To be eligible for the ASBO International member rate, at least one employee of the school district must be an ASBO International Professional Member. To join or renew your ASBO International membership, go to
Join or Renew Today!
Meritorious Budget Award (MBA)
| Total Revenue, All Funds |
ASBO International
Member |
Non-Member |
| Under $50 million |
$ 675 |
$ 1,020 |
| $50–$200 million |
$ 1,080 |
$ 1,405 |
| $200 million–$1 billion |
$ 1,130 |
$ 1,455 |
| Over $1 billion |
$ 1,185 |
$ 1,505 |
Pathway to the MBA
| Total Revenue, All Funds |
ASBO International
Member |
Non-Member |
| Under $50 million |
$ 305 |
$ 555 |
| $50–$200 million |
$ 405 |
$ 655 |
| $200 million–$1 billion |
$ 455 |
$ 710 |
| Over $1 billion |
$ 505 |
$ 755 |
Who reviews the budget document?
Your budget document is reviewed by a team of financial professionals who have received additional MBA criteria-specific training from ASBO International.
How long does the review process take?
Approximately 3–6 months.
I have a technical question about budget preparation. Can ASBO help me?
Email
MBA@asbointl.org and we will direct your question to an MBA Advisory Committee member or a reviewer for assistance.
Is there a list of school districts that have received the MBA award?
Visit the
MBA and Pathway to the MBA Recipients page for a complete list of school districts that have received the MBA and/or Pathway to the MBA as well as those honored districts that have received the MBA for more than 15 years.
Does a committee oversee this award?
The MBA Advisory Committee oversees this award program.