Annual Conference
Thursday, April 28, 2022

E03 – Construction Projects: Clarifying Misunderstandings About Laws and Procedures

Even with limited funding, school districts still need to accomplish varying levels of construction, renovation, and remodeling projects. Rules and regulations can sometimes be confusing. For example, when do you need to use a licensed architect or have plan approval through the state Bureau of Construction Codes? Understand common misconceptions about laws applicable to school construction.

Presenter(s): Mackenzie D. Flynn and Kirk C. Herald, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.

 

E04 – Effectively Cleaning in Today’s Environment

Covid 19 has reiterated the need to thoroughly clean buildings for health. How do school district’s approach this mission with limited time and staff? Learn about cleaning equipment available now and what’s on the drawing board – along with advances in cleaning chemicals and processes. Staffing will continue to be a challenge, so it’s important to embrace the most effective equipment and systems to keep up.

Presenter(s): Brian Heerdt, Brian Pleune, and Mike Steers, Nichols

 

E05 – How to Pull Off a Successful Audit Without Pulling Out Your Hair!

Learn how to break down your audit preparation into smaller more manageable steps to minimize stress. Audits should not cause anxiety! Learn some tips on how to complete a successful audit through the use of good communication, delegation and accountability, proper planning and follow through.

Presenter(s): Candace M. Halifax, Stacey Viers, and Julie Williams-Muz, Huron ISD

 

E06 – Using Best Business Practices to Promote District Sustainability

Districts are facing interesting times with the potential for additional funding, the need for longer-term financial planning and maintaining effective programming. Hear about the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) standards for budgeting and how you might be able to use these strategies to improve your district’s fiscal responsibilities.

Presenter(s): Don Sovey, School and Municipal Advisory Services, PC

 

E07 – Cash Flow and Short-Term Borrowing Options

Gain a better understanding of school districts’ options for borrowing for cash flow and other short-term borrowing. Learn the process and timelines involved with each as well as tips on how to structure each type of note to best fit your school district.

Presenter(s): Ian F. Koffler, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.; Mark Mesbergen, Fruitport Community Schools; and Nate Watson, PFM Financial Advisors

 

E08 – Special Education Finance for ISDs

Understand special education finance and the role of ISDs. Learn how to maximize state reimbursement, how Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) flow through funds are used, and whether they flow through to locals, and what processes are used for subrecipient monitoring.

Presenter(s): Steven G. Ezikian, Wayne RESA and Brian Marcel, Washtenaw ISD

 

E09 – Capital Expenditures and ESSER Grants

Understand the guidelines surrounding the use of federal grant funds for construction/capital expenditures. Learn implications for utilizing grant funds, outlining allowable uses, and possible case study of a district employing this approach.

Presenter(s): Holly Stefanski, Plante Moran and Kevin Walters, MDE

 

E10 – Implementing and Growing a Purchasing Card Program

Learn how your district will benefit from the MSBO-endorsed purchasing card program. Effective implementation and use can save your district resources in staff time and cash flow.

Presenter(s): Beth Smith, PFM Financial Services LLC and Practitioner

 

E11 – MPSERS Reporting Instruction Manual: Chapter 4

Reporting income to the retirement system requires an understanding of what is reportable and what is not. Learn the differences between the DTL2 and DTL4 reports and what types of income should be reported on each. A review of the Reporting Instruction Manual Chapter 4 is on the agenda! Income, NSI, special payments etc. will be covered.

Presenter(s): Jennifer Dunavant, Bobby Hoppes, and Josefina E. McCloud, Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB)

 

Cancelled E12 – 32d Great Start Readiness Programs (GSRP) Update

Changes to the GSRP allocation methodology has resulted in adjusted funding for many districts and ISD’s. Find out how these changes may impact you and the program availability in your region. The latest financial changes, programming concerns, and your questions will be addressed.

Presenter(s): Tami Mannes, Ottawa Area ISD

 

E13 – Bonds vs. Sinking Funds: Which is the Best Fit for Your District?

Understand details of financing projects and the differences between sinking funds and bond issuance.

Presenter(s): Christopher J. Iamarino, Thrun Law Firm, P.C. and RJ Naughton, PFM Financial Advisors, LLC

 

E14 – Understanding and Completing Your SEFA

Hands on learning of the Schedule of Expenditures and Federal Awards (SEFA) report, from start to finish. It doesn’t matter if this is your first single audit or you have worked on this report in the past. Learn quick tips on finding source data and cross checking to complete this schedule.

Presenter(s): Kathy Abela, Royal Oak Schools and Kristi Krafft-Bellsky, Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants

 

E15 – Rules for Equipment Purchase and Properly Dealing with Excess Fund Balance

Certain protocols must be followed before purchasing food service equipment with federal dollars. Understand the steps you need to take to ensure a proper purchase. Learn the proper methods of dealing with excess fund balance.

Presenter(s): Taneá Curtis-Brooks and Brenda Sweatman, MDE

 

E16 – The True Cost of Cybercrime: How Hackers Affect Your Business, Budget, and Reputation

Districts are under siege, costing time and money. Cybercriminals are targeting schools, slipping past ineffective and outdated infrastructure. Once you are hacked, your private information and community confidence are compromised, and your district may be on the hook for thousands to get it back. As threats become more sophisticated, it’s imperative to educate your staff to recognize, stop and report attacks.

Presenter(s): Steven Privasky, SET SEG

 

E17 – Working Without a Net: What COVID Taught Us About the Importance of Strategic Planning and Change Management

The COVID-19 pandemic forced school districts around the state to pivot very quickly and unexpectedly into a model of remote instruction and operations. Understand the fundamental concepts and practices of strategic planning and change management that allow districts to plan for change, react to unanticipated change, and foster adoption of change when it is necessary.

Presenter(s): Matthew Lindner and Melissa Miller, Plante Moran

 

E18 – The Effects of COVID on Human Resources

Never has human resources been as critical as during the COVID-19 pandemic. New federal regulations, rules, and leave time have added complexity to the already difficult to manage department. Hear an overview of the major changes, impacts on staffing, and how districts may comply.

Presenter(s): Scott N. Sawyer, Saginaw ISD

 

E19 – Bringing Clarity to Reimbursement Accounts

When it comes to reimbursement accounts, the differences can be confusing. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) all provide tax savings, but how do you know which plan(s) to offer? Learn about the three accounts, pairing with different medical plans, and account comparisons. Also included is info on the new Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) that some schools are offering to recruit support staff.

Presenter(s): Lisa M. Stevens, American Fidelity

 

E20 – Unemployment Claims 101

Districts need to know the ins and outs of how to combat unemployment claims that shouldn’t be paid, including everything from giving “reasonable assurance of employment,” fighting fraudulent claims (i.e. identity theft), and fighting those claims. Learn when an employee shouldn’t qualify for unemployment (terminated for cause) and when an employee is entitled to unemployment.

Presenter(s): Timothy T. Gardner, Jr. and Ryan J. Murray, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.

 

E21 – Building a Shared Time Program

Have you ever wanted to learn more about a shared time program? Understand how the funding of a shared time program works, how to create a successful program, and how to grow your program once it has been established, particularly now that enrollment caps have been implemented.

Presenter(s): Maria A. Gistinger, Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, LLC and Mary Beth Rogers, Clarkston Community Schools

 

E22 – Fundamentals of Purchasing Policies and Procedures

Understand various purchasing laws and regulations, as well as good policies and procedures, and some that “need improvement.” Get the nitty-gritty information you need to make sure your district is protected and operating according to best practices. Having the proper framework for purchasing can save your district money and save embarrassment if there is a problem!

Presenter(s): Dana L. Abrahams and Jeremy S. Motz, Clark Hill PLC

 

E23 – The Law and Technology for School Officials

Understand the laws surrounding technology, including “Bring You Own Device” (BYOD) policies, student/employee use of technology, and other district policies and procedures. School districts often utilize third party vendors for the storage of student records. This transfer of student records implicates privacy laws, including provisions of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Revised School Code. This topic takes on additional importance given the prevalence of distance learning this school year. Get an overview of such privacy laws to help ensure compliance when contracting with vendors or developing policies and procedures.

Presenter(s): Philip G. Clark, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.

 

E24 – Social Media Policies & Procedures

In the ever changing world of social media, it is important to ensure that your school district’s policies and procedures are up to date. Making sure that staff and students are aware of those policies is vital to ensure compliance.

Presenter(s): Joseph B. Urban, Clark Hill PLC

 

E25 – Why Electric School Buses?

Because tomorrow has never been more important… It’s no secret that electric school buses are built to make tomorrow cleaner, greener and brighter. They’re also designed with innovations to make todays’ school routes smarter, more efficient — and even safer. The future has arrived, right on schedule.

Presenter(s): Jeff Allgire and Greg Webb, Thomas Built Buses

 

9:20 – 9:40 am

Break/Passing Time

F03 – Maintaining Synthetic Fields into the Future

Many school districts have installed synthetic fields in recent years. These fields provide safe, long-lasting surfaces and allow for many different events. They are not, however, maintenance free! These are significant investments that require proper maintenance protocols to ensure they stay safe and last the projected life span. Discover the essential maintenance practices required and better understand how to inspect for safety and potential repairs.

Presenter(s): Eric Zencka, Turfix, LLC

 

F04 – Practical Solutions to Procurement and Labor Challenges During School Improvement Projects

These unprecedented times are continuing to disrupt the procurement process and causing continued labor shortages, which directly impact students, staff, and communities. Hear practical solutions in the design and construction process to alleviate headaches and offset challenges during school improvement projects.

Presenter(s): Christopher Arntzen, GMB Architecture + Engineering and Adam Tweedy, Owen-Ames-Kimball Co.

 

F05 – Davis/Bacon Act Federal Bidding Requirements

Learn about federal competitive bidding requirements including remote bidding protocols in the COVID-19 era. Understand legal requirements related to posting, due diligence, and proper documentation.

Presenter(s): Ronald C. Liscombe, Miller Canfield

 

F06 – Building Community Through Bond Projects: An Overview of the Process and Roles

Learn the role of the architecture and engineering firm, construction manager, and owner’s representative in developing bond projects. Learn the process of a bond project and how to make successful selections to help your district build and strengthen its community.

Presenter(s): John Davids and Brendon Pollard, Kingscott Associates, Inc.; Julie D. Helber, Chelsea School District; Gary Steller, Clark Construction Company; and Paul Wills, Plante Moran CRESA

 

F07 – CHAMPS Facility Settlement Subsystem Update

Understand the Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System (CHAMPS) Facility Settlement Subsystem. Learn about data input and completion, how to avoid mistakes, accessing initial and final settlements, and interpreting reports.

Presenter(s): Dana Billings MDE and Amy Kanter, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS)

 

F08 – Continuing Disclosure: Is Your District in Compliance?

Bond issues never seem to go away. Find out what your responsibilities are from the reporting aspects over the course of the repayment of your indebtedness.

Presenter(s): Thomas D. Colis, Miller Canfield and Sean Wahl, PFM Financial Advisors, LLC

 

F09 – Federal Procedures Manual and Policy Writing

Uniform Grant Guidance (UGG) was implemented several years ago; however, many district’s policies and procedure manuals are still outdated. Learn what you need to include in your updated manuals.

Presenter(s): Jessica Rolfe and Jennifer Watkins, Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants

 

F10 – Legislative Update

What’s happening in Lansing affects your district. Learn how the current legislative session is going in Lansing and what legislation could impact your district.

Presenter(s): Christopher Glass, Education Advocates of West Michigan

 

F11 – MDE Potpourri

MDE state aid and school finance representatives will provide information on the latest issues facing the school business officials from the department’s perspective. Learn about new governmental accounting standards, Financial Information Database (FID) changes, and the latest on state aid.

Presenter(s): Philip Boone and Christopher May, MDE

 

F12 – NexSys System Basics

Gain a better understanding of the system including access, uses, expectations and how to use the system for better grant and financial management.

Presenter(s): Kevin Walters, MDE

 

F13 – Grants Management 101

New to grants? Learn the basics of grants management and key management procedures. Understand the role of the finance office concerning compliance requirements and related internal controls.

Presenter(s): Eric V. Formberg, Retired Partner Plante Moran, PLLC and Kevin Taratuta, Clawson Public Schools

 

F14 – ORS for Beginners

What is the Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS)? Learn the basics of Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS) plans and how to help new employees through the retirement selection process. Understand the basics of biweekly processing reconciliation and the reports involved with payroll.

Presenter(s): Bobby Hoppes and Josefina E. McCloud, Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB)

 

F15 – Professional Standards in the National School Lunch Program

Are you preparing to hire a new food service director or contract with a company to run food service? Learn the United States Department of Agriculture regulations for hiring and training staff that work with all parts of your food service operation.

Presenter(s): Melanie Brummeler and Linda Stull, MDE

 

F16 – Am I Ethical?

The response to the question, “am I ethical?” seems obvious. The majority of us would answer with an emphatic, “yes!” Why then does it seem that the news is littered with obvious ethical breaches? It’s because, while the definition of ethics is easy, the application is far more difficult. Today’s presentation seeks to provide a common definition, explain the importance of ethics, and help guide you and your district towards consistent, ethical actions. You’ll leave with the tools to keep you and your district out of the ethical breach news!

Presenter(s): Bethany Verble, Maner Costerisan

 

F17 – 9 Ways to Maximize Learning with the Budget Process

Learn nine proven strategies to maximize learning through the budget process and resource allocations. It will be filled with laughs, real-life stories, and opportunities to collaborate.

Presenter(s): Don Killingbeck and Anna Wamack, Hemlock Public School District

 

F18 – Owner-Controlled Insurance

Learn how an Owner Controlled Insurance Program could be beneficial from a cost, coverage, and control perspective for your construction projects. Understand if your project would be a good fit for this type of program and the pitfalls you could run into with other types of insurance programs.

Presenter(s): Kelly Hogan, Jordan Laeyendecker and Brian Pierce, Gallagher

 

F19 – Student Loan Forgiveness

Learn how employers can use Student Loan Forgiveness programs to attract and retain employees.

Presenter(s): Steven Warner, AIG Retirement Services (VALIC)

 

F20 – “Open-Mic” for Payroll Processors

Are you new to the payroll process or a veteran that has experiences you would like to share? Participants from around the state and at all levels of experience will be included in this special session to address the issues you face. Are there easier ways to do things? Trouble with reporting to IRS or ORS? Bring your issues and we’ll provide the forum for a rich exchange of ideas and solutions! Participants will be asked to provide a specific issue (burning need) by writing it on a card to help guide the discussion.

Presenter(s): Elizabeth Eastway, Wexford-Missaukee ISD and Lisa M. Krosnicki, Charlevoix-Emmet ISD

 

F21 – Proper Pupil Accounting for Special Education Students

Special education students require additional documentation to count them for pupil accounting purposes. Learn techniques to establish a well-documented process to ensure all full-time equivalents (FTEs) are accounted for properly.

Presenter(s): Carrie Haubenstricker, Genesee ISD

 

F22 – RFP 101: Start to Finish

Understand the Request for Proposal (RFP) process from start to finish. Learn when an RFP is needed, how to solicit bids for small to large projects and services, where to find examples, and how to evaluate proposals post bid.

Presenter(s): Dana L. Abrahams and Jeremy S. Motz, Clark Hill PLC

 

F23 – Data Privacy and Security

Understand what schools should know about data privacy and security in light of the ongoing COVID environment and recent developments in the data privacy space. Learn what laws apply (and how), tips for agreements with service providers, and how to quantify the risks to understand the costs in an objective way. Get useful training tips, best practices, and trends.

Presenter(s): Charles M. Russman, Clark Hill PLC

 

F24 – Gotta Keep ‘em Separated!

Cyber hackers are targeting schools for information and security risks are high. It is important that personal and business email are kept separate and used properly and for their intended purposes. Schools are subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Understand the importance in following school district policies for retention of email.

Presenter(s): Ahmad Chehab and Sydney Johnson, Miller Canfield and Richard Webb, Fremont Public Schools

 

F25 – Transportation Hot Topics Round Table

Join a facilitated discussion on best practices in pupil transportation. Learn how to find and retain drivers, as well as required training, dealing with short staff operations, and more. There are no easy answers but discussing issues with colleagues may generate new perspectives.

Presenter(s): Penny S. Evert, Whitehall District Schools and Cynthia Valentine, Novi Community Schools

 

10:40 – 11:00 am

Break/Passing Time

Lunch is served in the exhibit hall.

 

1:00 – 1:15 pm

Break/Passing Time

G01 – Cybersecurity Risks and Insurance

Learn about cybersecurity and the risks that are out there, as well as the implications of a security breach. Understand the importance of security measures and cyber insurance.

Presenter(s): Alexis Spoon and John Zielinski, Gallagher

H02 – The Bleacher Report

Everyone has bleachers and grandstands. When was the last time you took a good look at your bleachers? Was it the day before the “Big Game” or just days before your district’s graduation ceremony? There are suggested maintenance procedures and required inspections that need to be done on a regular basis – are you familiar with those specifics? Learn ways to make your bleachers more user friendly and code compliant.

Presenter(s): Ed Stasiak, Sideline Sports

 

H03 – Current Trends in the Energy Markets and Does Solar Energy Make Sense for your District

Hear the current trends in the energy markets, utility rate forecasts and how those trends will and can impact your district’s energy costs. More and more schools are considering solar power as a solution to their energy need, learn how to effectively evaluate solar options and costs and discover how the Michigan Schools Energy Cooperative (MISEC) can partner with districts to ensure a viable project.

Presenter(s): Jeff Clark, Michigan Schools Energy Cooperative

 

H04 – Understanding the Moody’s Rating Service

Learn about the changes implemented in the Moody’s Rating Service and how it might impact your district’s next bond sale. Learn how to communicate what the change means to your stakeholders.

Presenter(s): Kari Blanchett and Sarah Moore, PFM Financial Advisors, LLC

 

H05 – Purchasing in an Online Marketplace

Learn how the largest and most trusted cooperative purchasing organization for public sector procurement can save your district time and money.

Presenter(s): Tom Ford, OMNIA Partners

 

H06 – Food Service Monitoring

What you need to know about monitoring your food service management company.

Presenter(s): Dan Carlson, Tanea Curtis-Brooks, Emily Ross, and Tammy Saul, MDE

 

H07 – Basic Treasury Filing Requirements

Avoid common pitfalls in obtaining Treasury approval to borrow under the Revised Municipal Finance Act. Understand qualifying statements, prior approval, waivers and post-issuance reporting requirements.

Presenter(s): Ronald C. Liscombe, Miller Canfield and William Sanders and Jeffrey Schwartz, Michigan Department of Treasury

 

H08 – Using ESSER Funds to Support Student Well-Being

Students deserve an equity of opportunity and the opportunity to learn in any way they need to. COVID relief (ESSER) funds have given schools across the U.S. a never before seen chance to update their buildings and physical environments to support student and teacher well-being. ESSER funds, invested in ergonomic and agile furniture, can instantly allow schools to easily reconfigure spaces supporting the mental and physical well-being of students. Learn how schools can use these funds.

Presenter(s): Steven B. Barr (Retired) and Ronald Webber, Novi Community Schools

 

H09 – Bond Proceed Investment Basics

Congratulations your district passed your millage vote. Now the work starts. Understand selling and settling your bond financing. Learn what to expect at settlement, arbitrage considerations and ultimately the investment of your bond proceeds.

Presenter(s): Michael Barry, MILAF+/PFM Asset Management, LLC

 

H10 – MILAF+

The Michigan School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus (“MILAF+” or the “Fund”) is a comprehensive cash management program created in 1987 by the Michigan Association of School Boards. The Fund was established for the purpose of allowing Michigan public agencies to pool their investment funds to seek the highest possible investment yield, while maintaining liquidity and preserving capital.

Presenter(s): Thomas L. Armstrong, Amber Cannegieter, and Tahsha Mitchell, MILAF+/PFM Asset Management, LLC

 

H11 – Proposal A and the Closing of the Funding Gap

New business managers need to understand the impact of Proposal A on the current funding structure, particularly since the gap between the highest and lowest funded school districts has closed. Proposal A was legislation that was passed in 1994, however this legislation is still relevant today as funding for schools is still calculated on this decades old legislation.

Presenter(s): Maria A. Gistinger, Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, LLC and Sharon Raschke, Dexter Community Schools

 

H12 – MSBO Dynamic Budget Projections Software

Projecting your budget can be tricky, but MSBO has you covered! Learn how you can use this simple solution to explain the impact bargaining, student loss, and revenue changes have on your district’s “bottom-line.”

Presenter(s): Christopher J. Frank, Bay-Arenac ISD

 

H13 – Continuing to Serve Meals at No Cost

Hear the latest on what’s happening with school meals legislation and how it could affect your school meals programs. Take a deep dive into how to continue to serve meals at no cost for students, even if school nutrition waivers expire, by utilizing the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Learn how CEP may allow your schools to provide equitable access to school meals, even after the bell rings!

Presenter(s): Mindy Grant, No Kid Hungry

 

H14 – 2022 MSBO/Hiring Solutions LLC Annual Salary Survey

Review the latest salary data for top administrative positions in your school. With the impact of COVID and significantly higher wage inflation in the past year it’s more critical than ever to keep your salary ranges current to recruit and retain staff members.

Presenter(s): Dione Pena and Todd Surline, Hiring Solutions LLC

 

H15 – Effectively Handling FOIA Requests

Get guidance on how to effectively respond to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and the written procedures and guidelines your district must have in place to be in compliance with the FOIA regulations.

Presenter(s): Ann L. VanderLaan, Clark Hill PLC

 

H16 – Legal Management of Personnel Files for Litigation in the Digital Age

Proper management of personnel files is crucial for defending against employment litigation related cases. Management of personnel files invokes several legal considerations, including statutory requirements for maintaining personnel files, requirements for medical information, freedom of information requests, and secure preservation of personally identifying information. Management of personnel files is challenging in light of decentralized decision making that often results in some of the personnel files residing at the central office and part at a local school building. Management is also challenging when part of the file may exist in various digital data files.

Presenter(s): Marshall W. Grate, Clark Hill PLC

 

H17 – Legal Considerations in Hiring Contract Employees and Retirees

Districts are increasing their employment of outside contractors and retirees. Learn the steps to take to structure such relationships in a manner to avoid potential legal liability and Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS) issues.

Presenter(s): Jessica A. Milligan and Joseph B. Urban, Clark Hill PLC

 

H18 – Paperless Workflow

Schools depend on paperwork for various functions, from filing purchase orders to onboarding new hires. Paper-based processes are incredibly inefficient — they impede productivity, result in higher costs, and pose security risks. It takes time to process paper forms and physical space to store those documents. Thanks to technology, organizations can reduce the amount of paper they use and streamline their processes. Learn paperless workflow processes including purchase requisition to purchase orders, employee self-service addresses & W4s, and employee/employer professional development workflow.

Presenter(s): Michelle L. Dowdall and Lori Hitchcock, Genesee ISD

 

H19 – Teacher Certifications Impact on FTE/Foundation Allowance Cancelled

 

H20 – IT Vendor Fraud

Technology directors work with many vendors to secure the equipment and services for their district. Sometimes they are put in unexpected situations with vendors that may make it easy to fall into a fraud trap. Understand Information Technology (IT) vendor fraud and ways to mitigate those risks through necessary controls.

Presenter(s): Jennifer Watkins, Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants

 

H21 – Bus STOP, LOOK & LISTEN: Prevent Incidents with Proper Bus Maintenance

School bus incidents can have a substantial impact on your district, affecting everything from student safety, community confidence, interrupted routes, and busted budgets. Districts can greatly reduce the chance of incidents and severity of accidents by following best practices and procedures with maintenance programs and driver training. Learn the latest in school bus claim trends, what districts and drivers should be on the lookout for, and how to prevent common claims from happening.

Presenter(s): Jamison Hagerty, SET SEG

 

1:45 – 2:00 pm

Break/Passing Time

i02 – Don’t Leave Money on the Table

If it saves a kilowatt of electricity or a cubic foot of gas, it most likely earns a rebate. Learn what specific rebates are available through your utility company, along with other initiatives. You’ll also learn of various programs designed to assist districts in reducing energy and increasing awareness.

Presenter(s): David Kirk, Consumers Energy and Todd O’Grady, Michigan Saves

 

i03 – Tools to Navigate the Changing Workforce

Today’s work environment relies more and more on technology, including school facilities operations. With reduced staffs and more complex systems, technology must be embraced. Learn how technology in school facilities can improve productivity while also improving how the facilities department is perceived.

Presenter(s): Michael Bremer, Dude Solutions

 

i04 – Advance Your Potential with Wilkes University

MSBO has partnered with Wilkes University to provide another option for members to obtain an advanced degree that focuses specifically on school business administration. Learn how you can earn a degree through this affordable online program.

Presenter(s): Charles Smargiassi, Wilkes University

 

i05 – Reviewing Board Policies: Practical Do’s and Don’ts

Boards and superintendents of well-governed school districts use policies to provide an outline of the organization’s methods of achieving its dual mission of providing a safe and orderly educational environment as well as performing its fiduciary duties with district funds and resources. Learn the means to view board policies as a living document that empowers boards and superintendents to shape their organizations. Discuss best practices in crafting and using policies as well as merging those policies with administrative guidelines.

Presenter(s): Joseph B. Urban, Clark Hill PLC

 

i06 – MILAF+ Connect Training

MILAF+ introduced a new and exciting platform for managing your investments. This platform was introduced in December 2021 and is fully functioning. Learn more about how to best utilize the Connect platform to your benefit.

Presenter(s): Amber Cannegieter, MILAF+/PFM Asset Management, LLC

 

i07 – MSBO BMA: Mini Session

Have you considered participating in the MSBO Business Manager Academy (BMA)? Learn about the program and get an insider’s look at the content covered with a “live” case study discussion –

just like the real program! Beginning and seasoned school business officials are welcome.

Presenter(s): Timothy A. Raymer, BMA Facilitator

 

i08 – How to Maneuver Through the Section 18: Transparency Reporting

Part of your role as a business official is to provide transparency through posting information on your district website. Budgets, audits, contracts and spending all are required topics. Learn the timeliness and rules for transparency reporting to keep your district in compliance.

Presenter(s): Chad Urchike, MDE

 

i09 – Supply Chain: Still?

All we seem to hear about is the Supply Chain and how it impacts our lives. Well, it has certainly hit school food service operations pretty hard. Hear the latest on status of supply. Discover as well how the logistics of the “last mile” influences cost and availability.

Presenter(s): Dorothy Cole and Carl Hopp, Gordon Food Service

 

i10 – Free Speech & Social Media for Public Employees

An overview of do’s and don’ts of social media use and freedom of speech rights (or lack there of) for employees.

Presenter(s): Scott N. Sawyer and Andrea Wise, Saginaw ISD

 

i11 – Controlling Workers’ Compensation Costs

Learn about common injuries and how to prevent them. Learn how to get injured workers back to work and how to fight fraud. Hear about an experience modification (e-mod) and why it is an important factor used to adjust your premium.

Presenter(s): Kody D. Hitchcock and Debora L. Wylie, Accident Fund Insurance Company of America and Brian Pierce, Gallagher

 

i13 – Everything You Need to Know About Employment Contracts

The same old “form” employment contracts get passed down from year-to-year and across all different types of employees. This practice exposes schools to avoidable headaches and potential legal dead ends. Employment contracts should be carefully tailored to the specific employee group or to the specific employee. Learn the common mistakes and how to easily avoid them. Understand how employment contracts and board policy impact discharge, layoff, and nonrenewal decisions.

Presenter(s): Katherine Wolf Broaddus, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.

 

i15 – Specialized Pupil Accounting

Review of pupil accounting with a focus on non-standard enrollment such as online, shared time, and seat-time waivers.

Presenter(s): Jessica Beagle, MDE

 

i16 – A Comparison of Leasing vs. Buying

Learn the pros and cons of leasing vs. buying and how to utilize a written replacement cycle plan for budgeting purposes, reporting requirements, and learn about total cost of ownership, including examples related to bussing, technology, and others.

Presenters(s): Joel Korson and Nick Kossaras, Maner Costerisan

 

i17 – SEN — Internet Statewide

Discover the savings that school districts can achieve by joining the State Education Network (SEN). SEN will connect 100% of Michigan’s intermediate, local public schools, and public school academies with the networking capacity needed to ensure that bandwidth is never a barrier to achieving goals in the classroom.

Presenter(s): Matthew A. Stark, Genesee ISD and Michigan Statewide Educational Network (MISEN)

 

i18 – Lease or Own: Best Practices for Financing School Buses

Learn the key data needed to determine if leasing makes sense for your district, or if other financing methods would prove more appropriate. Leasing can be an effective way to acquire buses, possibly reducing maintenance costs and breakdowns. Learn how best to analyze the decision.

Presenter(s): Steven A. Lenar, Holly Area Schools