Geez, Ben, why don't you ever communicate with us shareholders? :>)
Wes, Ben is exactly correct. I'm in my 22nd year in administrative position in school systems. All of our funds for equipment, textbooks, and supplies are typically fully expended by September. After all, that's when the kids show up. Consequently, If you came to me now with the greatest product on earth, I can't buy it, as no funds are left in the appropriate accounts. And if other districts are anything like our system, their budgets are at this point probably frozen for anything but essentials because of shortfalls that are being experienced for one reason or another.
Right now is the most active period for budget development for all school systems. How much money will be budgeted and what it will be spent on is determined late fall through early spring; with "how much" determined first, and the "what on" finalized a little later. However, teachers and principals, and in larger districts, curriculum coordinators are determining what they intend to purchase for next year right now. So, while the amount of funds might not change, what they spend them on, frequently does.
Actual ordering does not occur until late spring, early summer for the next school year. This is because budgets are not approved by the local fiscal authorities until usually May-June, and no funds can be expended from next year's budget until that fiscal year which typically begins on July 1. Money can be encumbered once the budget is approved, but not spent.
Thus, that is why Ben is saying that now is a crucial time to be garnering interest for Thinkology. Interest needs to be cultured now with the individuals who are responsible for making decisions regarding what they want to use with their students. With larger districts this might be only a few people, or a curriculum committee. In any event, the revenue shouldn't start to be seen in earnest until the timeline I have described is completed.
Two years long on HTSF, on 2/1.
Marc |
