Learn how to develop and implement a comprehensive capital plan for your district.

Michael MacMillan, School Business Manager

Thomas Raab, Ed.D., Director of Business and Finance

Ready to Move On?  Handoff to your SBO Teammate

Are you ready to move on to a new and exciting challenge?  Before you go, let’s get the office in order.  Based on the experiences of seasoned School Business Officials and their own personal experiences, learn how to gather your knowledge and experience and provide a roadmap to the next School Business Official to ensure they are ready for success.

Matthew J. Gillis, Director of Finance

Cynthia D. Mahr, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations

Mary Ellen Normen, Administrator for Business and Finance

Jay Sullivan, Associate Commissioner, School Finance and District Support Center; MASBO Treasurer

Discover the power of student engagement in shaping diverse menu choices within the educational setting. This session explores the pivotal role of student involvement in menu planning, examining how it fosters a sense of ownership, promotes inclusivity, and ultimately enhances participation in school food service programs. Gain insights and practical strategies to empower students in co-creating menus that reflect their preferences, cultural backgrounds, and dietary needs, promoting a vibrant and inclusive cafeteria environment.

Taylor Pirog, Assistant Director of Food Services

Keith Taverna, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations

This presentation will review the process of borrowing for school construction projects beginning with the initial application for MSBA approval and the authorization of school construction bonds, through the sale and delivery of bonds for this purpose. Our discussion will review options to consider and requirements needed to be satisfied before any debt can be issued. We will review the factors to be considered in the development of a plan of finance for the project that suits the specific needs of the issuer, including budgetary impact, tax impact, whether to borrow short or long term, legal requirements needed to be satisfied, estimates of debt service costs and market conditions, timing factors, estimates of MSBA reimbursement, disclosure requirements, credit considerations, and more, to name the basics.

Abby Jeffers, Senior Vice President

Cinder McNerney, Senior Managing Director, Public Finance

Monica Mulcahy, Assistant Vice President

Michael Knight, School Business Administrator

You got the job!  How to Successfully Transition to a New District

Are you seeking a new challenge? Looking to transition to a new role or the same role in a new district? Based on the experiences of seasoned School Business Officials and their own personal experiences, learn about pitfalls to avoid and actions to take to ensure a smooth and productive start to your new role. Establishing yourself in the community and district in a thoughtful and productive way will provide a solid foundation to be built upon for years to come.

Matthew J. Gillis, Director of Finance

Cynthia D. Mahr, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations

Mary Ellen Normen, Administrator for Business and Finance

Jay Sullivan, Associate Commissioner, School Finance and District Support Center; MASBO Treasurer

Walk away with concrete, best practices to improve outcomes in maximizing all sources of revenue, streamlining workflow between Human Resources and Payroll, and working smarter not harder with clear procedures and protocols.

Heather Michaud, MSOL, Public Services Manager

Anne Shaloka Wilson, Ph.D., Associate

Susan Bottan, Director of Finance and Operations

Acting Commissioner Russell Johnston will introduce himself and share his background in education in MA, including his experience with preparing school district budgets as Superintendent of the West Springfield Public Schools in collaboration with his School Business Administrator and how they maximized resources to benefit all students. He'll talk about DESE's goals for education in MA, identify resources DESE has, and how DESE is working to help districts. The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end.

Russell Johnston, Acting Commissioner

Daniel Gale, Director of Finance and Operations