FY24 A.I. Path to ASBO MBA or CAFR
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:
- Understanding the criteria for recognition from organizations like ASBO and GFOA.
- Analyzing successful submissions from past winners.
- Engaging stakeholders effectively throughout the process.
- Preparing budget documents and financial reports.
- Submitting documents for review according to guidelines.
- 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
Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative
Sara Consalvo
Budget Director
Worcester Public Schools
Cynthia D. Mahr
Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations
Wellesley Public Schools
Cynthia Mahr has spent more than twenty-five years in state and school finance. She joined Wellesley Public Schools in 2018. Prior to Wellesley, Cynthia served as the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations for Weston Public School and Director of Administrative Services for the Public Schools of Brookline. She is a Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations and a Meritorious Budget Award recipient (Weston and Wellesley) from the Association of School Business Officials International, as well as the recipient of the President's Award from the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO). Cynthia is a Past President of MASBO. Cynthia earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Hartwick College and her Master’s in Public Administration degree from Suffolk University.