Schedule: Tuesday, April 21

190 — Performance Evaluations for Personnel

Learn how and when to evaluate employees, what documentation should be placed in the employee’s file and what type of follow-up should be completed. Examine discipline, discharge, and the probationary employee terms. Required: Chief Technology Officer, Facilities Director, Human Resource Specialist, and Operations Director — Elective: all other tracks. 

Presenter(s): Kelly Powers, Muskegon Area ISD 

 

191 — Effective Communications 

Learn techniques and strategies to send clear messages, create credibility, and develop strategic communications programs that are effective for your school district. Required: Business Office Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Child Nutrition Director, Facilities Director, Human Resource Specialist, Operations Director, Pupil Accounting Auditor, Pupil Accounting Specialist, School Purchasing Specialist, Specialist in Educational Data, and Transportation Director — Elective: all other tracks. 

Presenter(s): Anita Banach, REMC 

 

192 — How to Process and Evaluate Bids 

Learn how sealed bids should be written and processed in order to minimize mistakes or bidder protests. Learn to write bid specifications, bid do’s and don’ts, and to define a responsive and responsible bidder. Required: Purchasing Officer — Elective: all other tracks. 

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

 

193 — Food Service Program Accountability 

Develop a comprehensive internal audit/evaluation system for reviewing all aspects of your food service program. Learn how to perform audits in all areas to ensure compliance of local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines, including policies and agreements that govern food service operations. Required: Child Nutrition Director — Elective: all other tracks.

Presenter(s): Stacey Lamper-McFall, Emily Mattern, and Shanna Williams, MDE

8:30 am – 4:30 pm

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8:30 – 8:40 am

110a — Care: Why Talk About This?

Soft skills, self-care, and team care are important skills to keep you at your best. Learn skills that will help you and your team stay grounded and keep you at your best.

Presenter(s): Matthew T. Hess, Caledonia Community Schools; Kevin M. Hustek, Warren Woods Public Schools; Thomas G. Korth, Oakland Schools; and Christina Varady, Lincoln Park Public Schools

 

8:40 – 9:40 am

110b — Learning the Art of Feedback

Mastering the art of giving and receiving feedback is a critical skill for any organization’s growth and collaboration. Transform conversations into dynamic, supportive dialogues that strengthen team bonds, foster improvement, and create lasting professional change for everyone.

Presenter(s): Travis Ketterer, Oakland Schools

 

9:40 – 10:40 am

110c — Mental Health: It’s Important For Us All

Have you ever felt overwhelmed? You aren’t alone. Learn methods to help you manage stress and feeling overwhelmed.

Presenter(s): Chris Thomas, Ingham ISD

 

10:40 – 10:50 am

Break

 

10:50 – 11:50 am

110d — Deal with Anxiety by Living with P.A.C.E. 

We live in a fast-paced society. To remain impactful while also staying safe, we must take intentional control of the P.A.C.E. (Purpose. Attitude. Care. Energy.) of our lives. Our purpose, mental attitude, care for ourselves and others, and the way we manage our energy will be explored. 

Presenter(s): David J. Hulings, Hulings and Associates, L.L.C. 

 

11:50 am – 12:00 pm

Break

 

12:00 – 1:00 pm

Lunch

 

1:00 – 1:15 pm

Break

 

1:15 – 2:15 pm

110e — Facility Master Planning Including Technology 

Districts can align technology planning with facility master planning to ensure that technology improvements are strategic, cost-effective, and future-ready. Get best practices for incorporating technology considerations into bond planning and sinking fund strategies. Learn how districts prioritize upgrades and maximize investments and how to create adaptable learning spaces. 

Presenter(s): Scott Brune, Wright & Hunter

 

2:15 – 2:30 pm

Break

 

2:30 – 3:30 pm

110f — FOIA, Litigation, E-Discovery, Oh My! 

Most districts either have handled or will eventually manage Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Learn tips and tricks to help in the process. 

Presenter(s): Chris Thomas, Ingham ISD 

 

3:30 – 4:30 pm

110g — From Tickets to Time

Keeping schools running can feel like constant triage for school district technology and facilities departments. Long-term projects get pushed aside. Learn practical ways Artificial Intelligence (AI) can take repetitive work off your plate. What will you do with the time you gain back every week?

Presenter(s): Sarah Wood, Kent ISD 

8:30 am – 4:30 pm

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8:30 – 8:40 am

120a — Care: Why Talk About This? 

Soft skills, self-care, and team care are important skills to keep you at your best. Learn skills that will help you and your team stay grounded and keep you at your best. 

Presenter(s): Matthew T. Hess, Caledonia Community Schools; Kevin M. Hustek, Warren Woods Public Schools; Thomas G. Korth, Oakland Schools; and Christina Varady, Lincoln Park Public Schools 

 

8:40 – 9:40 am

120b — Learning the Art of Feedback 

Mastering the art of giving and receiving feedback is a critical skill for any organization’s growth and collaboration. Transform conversations into dynamic, supportive dialogues that strengthen team bonds, foster improvement, and create lasting professional change for everyone. 

Presenter(s): Travis Ketterer, Oakland Schools 

 

9:40 – 10:40 am

120c — Mental Health: It’s Important For Us All 

Have you ever felt overwhelmed? You aren’t alone. Learn methods to help you manage stress and feeling overwhelmed. 

Presenter(s): Chris Thomas, Ingham ISD 

 

10:40 – 10:50 am

Break

 

10:50 – 11:50 am

120d — Deal with Anxiety by Living with P.A.C.E. 

We live in a fast-paced society. To remain impactful while also staying safe, we must take intentional control of the P.A.C.E. (Purpose. Attitude. Care. Energy.) of our lives. Our purpose, mental attitude, care for ourselves and others, and the way we manage our energy will be explored. 

Presenter(s): David J. Hulings, Hulings and Associates, L.L.C. 

 

11:50 am – 12:00 pm

Break

 

12:00 – 1:00 pm

Lunch

 

1:00 – 1:15 pm

Break

 

1:15 – 4:30 pm

120e — Tour: Van Eerden Foodservice 

On this tour, you will visit Van Eerden Foodservice, a fourth generation, family-owned business and one of the largest food distributors in Michigan. 

Presenter(s): Jacki Van Eerden, Van Eerden Foodservice 

8:30 am – 4:30 pm

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8:30 – 9:30 am

130a — Benefit Trends and Changes 

Benefit offerings can be a “make-or-break” component in bargaining and to attract new employees. Learn about the latest public policy changes, new offerings, cost-sharing, and other opportunities. 

Presenter(s): Megan Garton, American Fidelity 

 

9:30 – 10:30 am

130b — Complying with Michigan’s ESTA 

School districts are required to comply with Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act (“ESTA”), which greatly expands the rights of employees in earning and using sick time. Learn the do’s and don’ts on the allocation of sick time and how to enforce rules on employee use. 

Presenter(s): Alexander Lindamood, Clark Hill 

 

10:30 – 10:45 am

Break

 

10:45 – 11:45 am

130c — Highlights on FMLA 

Get the basics of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), including when it applies, length of time it lasts, importance of tracking this leave, and recommended best practices. 

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

 

11:45 am – 12:00 pm

Break

 

12:00 – 1:00 pm

Lunch

 

1:00 – 1:15 pm

Break

 

1:15 – 2:15 pm

130d — Current Trends from the Bargaining Table 

What’s in the negotiations “playbook” this year as you go to the bargaining table? Join in a lively discussion of trends and potential opportunities to explore in your negotiation process. 

Presenter(s): Raymond M. Davis, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.

 

2:15 – 3:00 pm

130e — Labor Negotiations Update 

Get an update on current trends related to labor negotiations. Learn best practices learned from negotiating multiple labor agreements. 

Presenter(s): MaryJo D. Banasik, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.

 

3:00 – 3:15 pm

Break

 

3:15 – 3:45 pm

130f — Pre-Employment Assessments 

Learn how to effectively use pre-employment assessments in your hiring process. 

Presenter(s): Erika Carberry and Devon Klomp-Mao, Hiring Solutions LLC 

 

3:45 – 4:30 pm

130g — Difficult Negotiations 

What negotiators, business officials, and Boards of Education need to understand about the concepts of impasse, fact finding, “working without a contract,” and “work to rule.” 

Presenter(s): Richard W. Fanning, Jr. and Marshall W. Grate, Clark Hill

8:30 am – 4:30 pm

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8:30 – 8:45 am

150a — New to School Business? Know Your Role 

Understand your role as a new school business manager. Get tips to ensure your success in the exciting field of school business management. 

Presenter(s): Jason R. Helsen, MSBO and Timothy A. Raymer, MSBO Business Manager Academy (BMA) Facilitator 

 

8:45 – 9:45 am

150b — A Year in the Life of a School Business Official 

Understand the laws behind the critical tasks and deadlines that business officials confront each year. Understand the legal and practical perspectives of the annual cycles. 

Presenter(s): Ryan J. Nicholson, Thrun Law Firm, P.C. and Daniel B. Romzek, St. Johns Public Schools 

 

9:45 – 10:15 am

150c — State Aid 101 

Understand the monthly state aid status report and the annual state aid cycles. Identify and understand the different variables and how to perform a monthly reconciliation. Learn when to expect certain changes and how to evaluate prior year adjustments. MDE state aid update reports will also be discussed. 

Presenter(s): Philip Boone, MDE

 

10:15 – 10:30 am

Break

 

10:30 – 11:45 am

150d — Grants Management 101 

New to grant funding? Learn the basics of main 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 and Kevin Taratuta, Clintondale Community Schools 

 

11:45 am – 12:00 pm

Break

 

12:00 – 1:00 pm

Lunch

 

1:00 – 1:15 pm

Break

 

1:15 – 2:15 pm

150e — Human Resources for Beginners 

Gain an understanding of a school district’s responsibility for employment documentation and regulations. Learn basic onboarding tasks and requirements. 

Presenter(s): Jennifer Grigg and Andrea Wise, Saginaw ISD

 

2:15 – 2:45 pm

150f — Pupil Accounting 101 

How does pupil accounting impact finance? Learn about Schools of Choice, Section 105c, and other issues pertaining to residency. Understand the formulas for pupil accounting and how they impact the district’s budget. 

Presenter(s): Carrie Haubenstricker, Genesee ISD 

 

2:45 – 3:00 pm

Break

 

3:00 – 4:00 pm

150g — The Budget Process 

Learn from new business officials how they approach and carry out the budget process, and learn some communication and presentation tips along the way. 

Presenter(s): Kari Bennett, Berrien Springs Public Schools; Sonia Hodge, Lowell Area Schools; and Kayla Kaelin, Rockford Public Schools 

 

4:00 – 4:30 pm

150h — Who, What, When, and How 

When you’re new on the job, where do you turn when questions arise? This is your chance to address district concerns, trade contact information with fellow new business managers, and discover resources available to MSBO members. 

Presenter(s): Kendra Messing, Huron ISD and Alexis Regnier, Holt Public Schools 

8:30 am – 4:30 pm

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8:30 – 8:40 am

160a — Care: Why Talk About This? 

Soft skills, self-care, and team care are important skills to keep you at your best. Learn skills that will help you and your team stay grounded and keep you at your best. 

Presenter(s): Matthew T. Hess, Caledonia Community Schools; Kevin M. Hustek, Warren Woods Public Schools; Thomas G. Korth, Oakland Schools; and Christina Varady, Lincoln Park Public Schools 

 

8:40 – 9:40 am

160b — Learning the Art of Feedback 

Mastering the art of giving and receiving feedback is a critical skill for any organization’s growth and collaboration. Transform conversations into dynamic, supportive dialogues that strengthen team bonds, foster improvement, and create lasting professional change for everyone. 

Presenter(s): Travis Ketterer, Oakland Schools 

 

9:40 – 10:40 am

160c — Mental Health: It’s Important For Us All 

Have you ever felt overwhelmed? You aren’t alone. Learn methods to help you manage stress and feeling overwhelmed. 

Presenter(s): Chris Thomas, Ingham ISD 

 

10:40 – 10:50 am

Break

 

10:50 – 11:50 am

160d — Deal with Anxiety by Living with P.A.C.E. 

We live in a fast-paced society. To remain impactful while also staying safe, we must take intentional control of the P.A.C.E. (Purpose. Attitude. Care. Energy.) of our lives. Our purpose, mental attitude, care for ourselves and others, and the way we manage our energy will be explored. 

Presenter(s): David J. Hulings, Hulings and Associates, L.L.C. 

 

11:50 am – 12:00 pm

Break

 

12:00 – 1:00 pm

Lunch

 

1:00 – 1:15 pm

Break

 

1:15 – 2:15 pm

160e — Integrate Technology and Facility Master Planning 

Districts can align technology planning with facility master planning to ensure that technology improvements are strategic, cost-effective, and future-ready. Get best practices for incorporating technology considerations into bond planning and sinking fund strategies. Learn how districts prioritize upgrades and maximize investments and how to create adaptable learning spaces. 

Presenter(s): Scott Brune, Wright & Hunter

 

2:15 – 2:30 pm

Break

 

2:30 – 3:30 pm

160f — FOIA, Litigation, E-Discovery, Oh My! 

Most districts either have handled or will eventually manage Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Learn tips and tricks to help in the process. 

Presenter(s): Chris Thomas, Ingham ISD 

 

3:30 – 4:30 pm

160g — From Tickets to Time

Keeping schools running can feel like constant triage for school district technology and facilities departments. Long-term projects get pushed aside. Learn practical ways Artificial Intelligence (AI) can take repetitive work off your plate. What will you do with the time you gain back every week?

Presenter(s): Sarah Wood, Kent ISD 

8:30 am – 4:30 pm

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8:30 – 8:35 am

170a — Introduction and Overview

Presenter(s): Robert K. Dwan, MSBO

 

8:35 – 9:30 am

170b — Legal Update 

Learn about significant legal developments that impact school districts. Get an overview of state and federal legislation, attorney general opinions, and court decisions. A broad range of school law subjects including finance, employment and labor law, contract trends, negotiation hot topics, student rights, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and Open Meetings Act (OMA) will be covered. 

Presenter(s): Daniel R. Martin and Bradford W. Springer, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.

 

9:30 – 10:30 am

170c — Accounting and Auditing Update 

Gain insight into the latest accounting pronouncements and implementations. Learn about what you need to be prepared for this audit season! 

Presenter(s): Jennifer Watkins, Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors 

 

10:30 – 10:45 am

Break

 

10:45 – 11:45 am

170d — Legislative and State Budget Update 

What happens in Lansing affects your district. Get an overview of key state and federal legislative issues the education community may see in the coming year and an update on the school aid fund budget negotiations for FY26-27. 

Presenter(s): Daniel Behm, Education Advocates of West Michigan 

 

11:45 am – 12:00 pm

Break

 

12:00 – 1:00 pm

Lunch

 

1:00 – 1:15 pm

Break

 

1:15 – 2:15 pm

170e — Deal with Anxiety by Living with P.A.C.E. 

We live in a fast-paced society. To remain impactful while also staying safe, we must take intentional control of the P.A.C.E. (Purpose. Attitude. Care. Energy.) of our lives. Our purpose, mental attitude, care for ourselves and others, and the way we manage our energy will all be explored. 

Presenter(s): David J. Hulings, Hulings and Associates, L.L.C. 

 

2:15 – 3:00 pm

170f — Cybersecurity Priorities 

School districts are facing an unprecedented wave of cyberattacks. Limited resources often making districts easy targets. Examine real-world case studies of recent cyber incidents that have impacted K-12 institutions. 

Presenter(s): Mike Lilly, Ingham ISD and Luke Wittum, SET SEG

 

3:00 – 3:15 pm

Break

 

3:15 – 4:30 pm

170g — AI in the Workplace 

The co-author of AI for Accountants: A Practitioners Guide will share the ethical and practical implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace and education. 

Presenter(s): Dr. Scott Dell, Ferris State University 

8:30 am – 4:30 pm

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8:30 – 8:40 am

180a — Care: Why Talk About This? 

Soft skills, self-care, and team care are important skills to keep you at your best. Learn skills that will help you and your team stay grounded and keep you at your best. 

Presenter(s): Matthew T. Hess, Caledonia Community Schools; Kevin M. Hustek, Warren Woods Public Schools; Thomas G. Korth, Oakland Schools; and Christina Varady, Lincoln Park Public Schools 

 

8:40 – 9:40 am

180b — Learning the Art of Feedback 

Mastering the art of giving and receiving feedback is a critical skill for any organization’s growth and collaboration. Transform conversations into dynamic, supportive dialogues that strengthen team bonds, foster improvement, and create lasting professional change for everyone. 

Presenter(s): Travis Ketterer, Oakland Schools 

9:40 – 10:40 am

180c — Mental Health: It’s Important For Us All 

Have you ever felt overwhelmed? You aren’t alone. Learn methods to help you manage stress and feeling overwhelmed. 

Presenter(s): Chris Thomas, Ingham ISD 

 

10:40 – 10:50 am

Break

 

10:50 – 11:50 am

180d — Deal with Anxiety by Living with P.A.C.E. 

We live in a fast-paced society. To remain impactful while also staying safe, we must take intentional control of the P.A.C.E. (Purpose. Attitude. Care. Energy.) of our lives. Our purpose, mental attitude, care for ourselves and others, and the way we manage our energy will be explored. 

Presenter(s): David J. Hulings, Hulings and Associates, L.L.C. 

 

11:50 am – 12:00 pm

Break

 

12:00 – 1:00 pm

Lunch

 

1:00 – 1:15 pm

Break

 

1:15 – 2:30 pm

180e — Developing Leadership Resilience 

Learn powerful strategies to enhance resilience, confidence, and optimism while teaching you how to avoid burnout and activate your true purpose. Understand the secret to driving improvement for superior results in your life and career based on Jon Gordon’s The Energy Bus. 

Presenter(s): Ted Zotos, Zotos Leadership 

 

2:30 – 2:45 pm

Break

 

2:45 – 3:30 pm

180f — The Value of Networking 

Learn the value of networking and how to connect with your colleagues and create your network! 

Presenter(s): Don A. Ball, Warren Woods Public Schools and Katrina Morris, West Shore ESD 

 

3:30 – 4:30 pm

180g — Behavioral De-Escalation Techniques 

Increasing awareness of proactive and preventative behavior support is necessary to recognize early signs of escalation. Understand key strategies, such as staff training, communication of needs, and collaboration across teams to ensure safe and supportive transportation for all students. 

Presenter(s): Amy Hawtin, Samantha Klotz, and Fatima Othman, Oakland Schools

194 — Benefits/Retirement 

Learn how to explain employee benefits, social security benefits and retirement to school district employees. Help administrators describe changes in health care costs and work with bargaining teams on total cost of compensation, as well as information on Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) benefits — when it must be offered and how it works. Required: Human Resource Specialist — Elective: all other tracks. 

Presenter(s): Leslie Cicalo, Mott Community College; Sara Rajter, Gallagher; and Sean Shearon, GLP Financial Group

 

195 — Bonding/Borrowing/Investing 

Examine legal and practical issues relating to how school districts bond, borrow, and invest funds. Get an overview of cash flow analysis, arbitrage, and general borrowing and investing options. Required: Chief Financial Officer — Elective: all other tracks. 

Presenter(s): Michael Barry, MILAF+/PFM Asset Management, LLC; Christopher J. Iamarino, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.; Nate Watson, PFM Financial Advisors, LLC; and Jeffrey A. Zylstra, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc. 

 

196 — Data Quality II 

The second in the Data Quality series focuses on data entry — getting things right at the source. The quality of data will improve when all staff understand how the data will be used and how data becomes information. Get information about coordinating data quality at the district level, identifying data flow and cycles, common data entry issues, the importance of communication, and the roles of various district staff in this process. Required: Pupil Accounting Specialist and Specialist in Educational Data — Elective: all other tracks. 

Presenter(s): Robert Dickinson, MPAAA 

 

197 — Principles of Education 

Understand the educational process, culture of schools, major learning theories, teaching methodologies, school improvement, design of in-service programs, and the structure and function of the principalship. Required: all tracks except Child Nutrition Director — Elective: Child Nutrition Director. 

Presenter(s): Katherine Konon, L’Anse Creuse Public Schools and Karl D. Paulson, Lakeview Public Schools