What’s the secret sauce for resolving everyday challenges, breaking down silos, and navigate the burnout blues? Professional learning communities. The kind that increases motivation and engagement. Discover how shared experiences and collaborative problem-solving can breathe new life into your role. Let’s forge a network that redefines what's possible. It's time to refresh, recharge, and revitalize – because when school business officers collaborate, the possibilities are limitless.

Barbara Roche, Founder

Regional school districts are unique in that they have their own OPEB liability (vs. being incorporated into the municipality's liability for GASB). NRSD school committee formed an OPEB Management Advisory Committee (OMAC) that reviewed what defines OPEB, what makes up the district liability, what would changes to trust contribution mean, etc. The OMAC was comprised of school committee, town officials, fin comm members, and the school business administrator. The result was education materials to school committee and the public along with a recommendation for budget. This session will walk through how we defined problems, created goals, formed groups, and made recommendations.

Ross Mulkerin, Director of Finance and Operations

We sometimes encounter problems with vendors during a contract. These can be performance issues or things that might be beyond vendor control like a supply chain breakdown. We will review some best practices and recommendations for avoiding contract problems and vendor disputes and to remedy disputes on contracts created through a Chapter 30B procurement process.

Neil Cohen, Director of the Regulatory and Compliance Division

Support for safe transportation to and from school is an important and often overlooked area of student behavior management. For schools implementing PBIS, take your program to a new level by implementing PBIS on your buses and vans. This presentation will show you how easy and effective it is to expand your PBIS program to include the ride to and from school.

Susan Farrell, Executive Director

Michael D. Freeman, Director of Transportation

In this session, DESE will share recent workforce and hiring trends in the Commonwealth based on ongoing data and research from our evaluation of the emergency license and policies to support staffing needs. We will discuss how this is connected to our DESE Educational Vision and Strategic Objective to cultivate a diverse and effective workforce.

Claire Abbott, Director, Office of Educator Effectiveness

Elizabeth Losee, Director, Educator Preparation & Assessment

Regional School District Budgets and Assessments - What's Different in a Region?

Panelists will discuss key regional school district financial requirements, concentrating on laws and regulations related to budget preparation and school committee and municipal approval, including the statutory and alternative assessment methodologies. The panel will also address key financial areas of regional school district agreements with which School Business Administrators should be familiar.

Michelle Griffin, Regional Governance Coordinator

Stephen Hemman, Consultant

Christine Lynch, Management Consultant, Office of Regional Governance

Many people are unfamiliar with how they can use Chapter 30B to, for example, increase vendor diversity, donate surplus supplies or contract with not-for-profits without needing to use a formal bid or proposal process. We will review these and other topics and discuss some frequently asked questions we receive on our technical assistance hotline from school districts.

Neil Cohen, Director of the Regulatory and Compliance Division

This session will equip you with the essential questions to ask your technology director during budgeting discussions.

Explore the critical topic of how software applications are connected to student learning. Understand the key data points that measure the effectiveness of these tools and gain insights into leveraging technology for improved educational outcomes. Discover best practices for auditing software applications, ensuring compliance, security, and optimal functionality.

Navigate the often complex world of negotiating contracts with software and tech companies. Uncover effective strategies for obtaining favorable terms, managing costs, and securing agreements that align with your institution's goals. This segment will empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate contract negotiations confidently.

Learn about the strategic utilization of E-rate funding, unlocking opportunities to enhance your institution's technological infrastructure. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the application process, eligibility criteria, and strategies for maximizing E-rate benefits to support your technology initiatives.

Finally, understand how to measure and demonstrate the impact of technology investments on educational outcomes, providing a compelling case for continued support and investment in your school's tech infrastructure.

Join us for a practical and informative session that will leave you well-prepared to navigate the complexities of technology management, budgeting, and decision-making within the educational landscape.

Katelyn Boudreau, Director of Educational Technology and Digital Literacy

Whether you are a pro behind the podium or would rather have root canal than stand up and speak in public, every professional has some bad habits that inhibit their ability to grab and keep an audience’s attention. Practice, performance, feedback, and discussion are the tools used to strengthen speaking skills. 

Barbara Roche, Founder

Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro will discuss how the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) can work with school districts around the Commonwealth to achieve the shared goals of mitigating waste and making every public dollar count for the benefit of the people.

Jeffrey S. Shapiro, Inspector General

When the ‘F’ Doesn’t Stand for ‘Fiscal’: Policies, Procedures, and the Language Governing School Finance at the Local Level

While much of the work of the school business administrator lies in the world of numbers, the work is governed by language in policy and procedure. Join this session to learn the distinction between fiscal policy versus procedure, and how to work with your school committee on the language of fiscal governance. Bring your questions!

Tracy Novick, Field Director

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James M. Rowan, CAE, SFO, CEO/Executive Director

Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of school revolving funds from the authorization for the creation of a fund to closing the fund out. Learn the structure of school funds, then engage in discussions to hear how other school districts manage and maintain fund balances, such as how fees are set/collected or when to pull more of/less from the fund and appropriate balances, and finish by learning when, why, and how to close a revolving fund account.

Deborah A. Wagner, Director of Accounts

Chris Mathieu, Director of Finance and Operations

As schools increasingly integrate technology into their systems, it becomes imperative for business officials to stay abreast of key considerations such as student data privacy, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in school business, and the ethical use of AI.

In this session, attendees will gain an understanding of current student data privacy regulations, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the complex landscape of educational data management. Participants will learn practical strategies to safeguard sensitive student information while maintaining operational efficiency.

The session will also explore the transformative role of AI in school business operations. Discover how AI can enhance administrative processes, streamline resource allocation, and contribute to data-driven decision-making. Gain insights into real-world applications of AI in educational settings, and understand the potential benefits and challenges that come with its integration.

Furthermore, the discussion will emphasize the ethical considerations surrounding AI in education. Explore the principles and practices that promote responsible and fair AI use within the school environment. Learn how to foster transparency, accountability, and equity in AI-driven decision-making processes, ensuring that the technology is harnessed for the benefit of all students and staff. By the end of this session, attendees will leave with a holistic perspective on student data privacy, the evolving role of AI in school business, and a toolkit for making ethically informed decisions in the ever-changing landscape of educational technology.

Katelyn Boudreau, Director of Educational Technology and Digital Literacy

This session will give members the opportunity to review their own Collaborative Agreements to ensure funds are being utilized properly as intended. Session will also include discussion around establishment of a Capital Reserve Fund and steps to increase or modify the intent of the Fund. Please have a copy of your Collaborative Agreement to maximize learning and discussion.

Lindsey Albernaz, Business Manager

Jennifer Prendergast, Director of Finance

Participants will learn about the changing landscape of student data privacy and how this work has progressed beyond simply being FERPA compliant.

Ramah Hawley, Director

Cynthia Tougas, SDPA Support Coordinator

Learn the common problems encountered and how to fix them when regional school districts complete the Excess and Deficiency forms and schedules to the Department of Revenue under 603 CMR 41.00 by October 31.

Tony Roselli, CPA, CGMA, Partner

Path to ASBO MBA or CAFR: Demonstrating Financial Transparency and Excellence

In this training session, participants will learn the steps to gain recognition for their budget documents and financial reports from financial experts and school business administrators. A panel of our School Business Administrators (SBAs) will share their experiences and the paths they took to achieve recognition, including receiving prestigious awards such as the ASBO Meritorious Budget Award or the GFOA Certificate of Achievement of Excellence in Financial Reporting.

Key Points Covered:

1. Understanding the criteria for recognition from organizations like ASBO and GFOA.
2. Analyzing successful submissions from past winners.
3. Engaging stakeholders effectively throughout the process.
4. Preparing budget documents and financial reports.
5. Submitting documents for review according to guidelines.
6. Celebrating achievements and promoting recognition within the organization.

By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and strategies needed to increase the likelihood of their budget documents and financial reports being recognized for excellence.

Anna Bishop, Director of Finance and Operations

Sara Consalvo, Budget Director

Cynthia D. Mahr, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations

Meet with colleagues who share similar geographical issues.

• Nauset 1 - Assabet Valley and French River
• Nauset 2 - BICO and Cape Cod
• Nauset 3 - Berkshire County and North Shore
• Nauset 4 - Lighthouse
• Nauset 5 - Metrowest and Wester Mass