FY26 November Program
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Register
- Non-member - $100
- Community Admin - Free!
- Basic - $90
- Full Package - Free!
- Retired - Free!
- Business Staff - $90
- Basic - Payroll - $90
- Associate - $90
- Solution Provider Affiliate - $90
- Solution Provider Associate - $90
- Courtesy Member - $90
Discover how to maximize crowdfunding opportunities while ensuring compliance with the Department of Revenue. Learn from DESE experts about flexible new tools that make “Buying American” easier and support local food procurement. Explore a strategic, collaborative approach to procurement that unites schools and municipalities to better serve students. Finally, experience how AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini can revolutionize your workflow—helping you draft policies, compare vendors, and streamline your procurement process safely and efficiently. Show your understanding by completing an online evaluation.
Kenneth Woodland
Municipal Finance Law Bureau Chief
Division of Local Services (DLS), Department of Revenue (DOR)
Denise Courtney
Nutrition Education and School Wellness Training Coordinator
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Denise Courtney, MS, RD, SNS is the Nutrition Education and School Wellness Training Coordinator at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with more than a decade of experience developing and delivering training for Child Nutrition Professionals. As a registered dietitian, Denise has dedicated her career to strengthening school meal programs through innovative, science-based solutions. Throughout their work, Denise has been a champion for incorporating local foods, global flavors and medical modifications into school meals. She is passionate about elevating the public’s enthusiasm for school meals—communicating not only how delicious they are, but also their essential role in supporting academic achievement, student and local economic health.
Ashley Lopes
Nutrition Financial Management Coordinator
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Ashley Lopes, MBA, is the Nutrition Financial Management Coordinator at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Prior to DESE Ashley held Director of Finance Roles at Mashpee Public Schools and Freetown – Lakeville RSD as well the Budget Analyst at Weston Public Schools when it was the recipient of the ASBO Meritorious Budget Award.
Mary A. Delaney
Chief Procurement Officer; Executive Board Chair
City of Fitchburg; Massachusetts Association of Public Purchasing Officials (MAPPO)
Jeremy Roche
Director of Finance and Operations
Fitchburg Public Schools
Aziz Aghayev
Speaker / Automation Consultant
Flowlyst
Aziz Aghayev is a seasoned Chief Financial Officer specializing in financial consulting and business automation, with a focus on educational and governmental sectors. Leveraging AI technology and advanced automation solutions, he optimizes financial processes and decision-making frameworks for school districts and educational organizations. Through Flowlyst, his consulting firm, Aziz provides tailored financial and operational automation strategies, including budget development, cash flow forecasting, and scenario analysis.
With extensive experience working in various public school settings, Aziz has directed financial strategy and policy across multiple educational organizations. He regularly conducts trainings for administrative and instructional staff within school districts and organizations such as ASBO International, Washington ASBO, New Jersey ASBO, equipping them with the skills to effectively integrate AI-driven tools into their work. Aziz is also an active keynote speaker at community events, where he shares insights on developing a growth-oriented mindset. Known for his innovative approach, he is dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency and empowering educational leaders and community members alike with the skills they need to succeed.