Schedule: Wednesday, April 22

A01 — Security/Disaster Recovery 

An overview of security best practices at the network, server, and workstation levels will be discussed. The security practices covered can be applied to multiple types of network architectures including Windows, Linux, and others. Hear best practices on creating and implementing a disaster recovery plan. Required: Chief Technology Officer — Elective: all other tracks. 

Presenter(s): Christopher Gregory Nelson, Lenawee ISD 

 

A02 — Human Resources for the Business Manager 

Understand the basic concepts and major challenges today in the process of recruiting, onboarding, rewarding, and retaining your key staff members. Learn techniques and best practices you can apply to employment practices. Major employment laws and regulations such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEOA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) among others will be addressed. Learn the important skills to keep your school district in compliance. Required: Chief Financial Officer — Elective: all other tracks. 

Presenter(s): Mark Dobias, Todd Surline, and Riley Vlahakis, Hiring Solutions LLC 

B03 — Fixing the Struggle to Keep Schools Clean 

Districts across the state face the same challenge. Dig into the root causes behind why custodial departments often fall short, even with dedicated staff. Challenges include understaffing, unrealistic square footage assignments, outdated equipment, lack of consistent training, poor chemical management, and the impact on restrooms and classrooms — the two areas that influence student and staff health the most. 

Presenter(s): David J. Corker, Corker Consulting 

 

B04 — Master Planning for Growth and Flexibility 

Explore the practical aspects of master planning to meet both current and future district needs, including an understanding of enrollment projections, program-driven space planning, infrastructure upgrades, and phased implementation strategies. Gain insights into how integrated design and construction planning can maximize existing assets, support long-term flexibility, and provide a clear roadmap for sustainable facility investments. 

Presenter(s): Rob Crowe, The Christman Company; Steven J. Jurczuk, C2AE Architecture + Engineering; and Rebecca Weld, C2AE, An AtkinsRѐalis Company

 

B05 — Positive Arbitrage is Back! 

With interest rates on the rise, many schools find themselves in a positive arbitrage environment. Understand arbitrage rebate compliance and strategies for bonds in the current interest rate environment. 

Presenter(s): Katrina Desmond, Miller Canfield and David Walters, PFM Asset Management LLC 

 

B06 — GASB Update 

Each year, GASB issues several accounting pronouncements and other implementation guidance. Keeping up with these ever-changing rules can be challenging and time consuming. Learn about the impact on your organization and receive a step-by-step implementation guidance. 

Presenter(s): Dan Merritt, Rehmann 

 

B07 — Applying for Grants 

Learn how to locate federal, state, and other grants that could benefit your district. Get tips on how to prepare a successful application.

Presenter(s): Corey D. Bordo, Tri County Area Schools; James Hissong, Kent ISD; and Abbie Jeplawy, Kentwood Public Schools

 

B08 — Enhancing Business Office Efficiency 

Learn how to use technology and best practices to enhance efficiency and create capacity in the business office. 

Presenter(s): Bethany Verble, Maner Costerisan

 

B09 — Cash Flow and Short-Term Borrowing Options 

Understand operating cash-flow borrowing options including: the pros and cons of a State Aid Note vs. a Line of Credit, sizing rules under state and federal tax law, treasury approval, and the preparation of a cash-flow projection. 

Presenter(s): Emily J. Barr and Alan D. Szuma, Miller Canfield 

 

B10 — Federal Grant Risk Assessment and Monitoring 

Many grants involve passthrough payments from one school district or ISD to another. Learn how to design and implement effective risk assessment and monitoring activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, laws, and grant award provisions. 

Presenter(s): Rene Cope, Ottawa Area ISD and Jeffrey Staley, Maner Costerisan 

 

B11 — MSBO BMA: Mini Session 

Have you considered participating in the MSBO Business Manager Academy (BMA)? Learn about the program and the benefits of participation. Beginning and seasoned school business officials are welcome! 

Presenter(s): Douglas L. Newcombe and Timothy A. Raymer, MSBO Business Manager Academy (BMA) Facilitators 

 

B12 — Dealing with Boosters and Activity Funds 

Boosters and fundraisers can be great resources, but they can also cause headaches. Learn a legal and practical perspective on how to keep tabs on these special purpose funds while also encouraging community support. 

Presenter(s): Ryan J. Nicholson, Thrun Law Firm, P.C. 

 

B13 — State Aid Foundation Allowance and Categoricals 

Walk through Michigan’s state aid payment system step-by-step. Learn how the foundation allowance and categorical funding (Sections 31a, 31n, 54d, 147a/c, etc.) flow into district budgets and how mid-year adjustments impact cash flow. 

Presenter(s): Philip Boone, MDE

 

B14 — Presenting Your Food Service Realities 

Explore practical strategies for communicating the true needs, challenges, and successes of food service programs to school board members. Learn to deliver effective, compelling presentations that advocate for your programs and the students you serve. 

Presenter(s): Mary Darnton, Jenison & Hudsonville Public Schools and Mandy Sosnowski, Utica Community Schools 

 

B15 — Preserving and Adapting School Buildings 

Many school districts face decisions about historic, underutilized, or vacant buildings. Explore strategies for rehabilitation — transforming these facilities for new uses while retaining their value and character. Restoration options may include restoring buildings for continued educational use or adapting them for community-focused projects such as multi-family housing, cultural spaces, or other civic uses. Learn how to evaluate the challenges and benefits of restoration versus adaptive use, navigate regulatory and preservation considerations, and engage communities in making decisions that honor the past while meeting current and future needs. 

Presenter(s): Rob Atkins and Dan Schneider, Kingscott Associates, Inc. and Ryan Biller, Tri County Area Schools 

 

B16 — Legal Update 

Learn about significant legal developments that impact school districts. Get an overview of state and federal legislation, attorney general opinions, court decisions, as well as other guidance covering a broad range of school law subjects — including finance, employment and labor law, student rights, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and Open Meetings Act (OMA). 

Presenter(s): Kelly S. Bowman and Daniel R. Martin, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.

 

B17 — 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 

 

B18 — The Bargaining Battlefield: A Forum 

Navigate the pitfalls of bargaining employee benefits an expert panel. Learn strategies, information, and communication needed for bargaining success. 

Presenter(s): Christopher Glass and Chadd Hodkinson, Gallagher; Kara T. Rozin, Clark Hill; and Practitioner

 

B19 — Human Resources “Open Mic” 

Bring your “burning” issues and we’ll provide the forum for a rich exchange of ideas and solutions! Participants will be asked to provide a specific issue to help guide the discussion. 

Presenter(s): Suzy Corbin, Ingham ISD and Jennifer Grigg, Saginaw ISD

 

B20 — IDEA Grants for ISDs 

Understand the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) special education grant. Learn tips for budgeting and reporting. 

Presenter(s): Adam Fisher, Sean McLaughlin, and Shelby Zenk, MDE

 

B21 — Women in Leadership 

Participate in an authentic conversation that is sure to provoke inspiration and guidance for the next generation of women leading school business management. 

Presenter(s): Megan Garton, American Fidelity; Sonia Hodge, Lowell Area Schools; Teri L. Les, Oakland Schools; Julie Omer, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools; Jessica M. Thomas, Michigan Department of Treasury; and Lisa Truscott, Kingscott Associates, Inc. 

 

B22 — AI and School Safety 

Learn the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing school safety, specifically tailored for school business professionals. Get insights into how AI-driven technologies can be seamlessly incorporated into your existing systems to create a safer and more secure learning environment. 

Presenter(s): TBD

 

B23 — Understanding MPSERS Audits 

Submitting wages and hours to the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS) requires an understanding of reporting. Learn what information is audited and how to prepare for an ORS audit. 

Presenter(s): Stephanie Bowerson, Steve Cary, Angela Sanborn, and Jennifer Smith, DTMB-ORS

 

B24 — School Administrators: Are You Appropriately Credentialed?

Superintendents, principals, assistant principals, or anyone performing those job duties regardless of title need to have credentials. Learn what roles require school administrator credentials, common missteps that may lead to state aid deductions, and how to ensure your district stays in compliance.

Presenter(s): Katie Schmiedeknecht, MDE 

 

B25 — Time Well Spent: Streamlining District Procurement 

School districts across Michigan continue to face challenges associated with educational procurement and declining resources, leading to increased stress, decreased teacher retention, and low morale. Learn how to maximize procurement capabilities and identify opportunities to innovate and leverage technology to reinvest time and energy back to students. 

Presenter(s): Jalen Almodovar, Sarah Ghareeb, and Marcy Jarry, Amazon Business Education; Steven M. LeBlanc, Jr., Novi Community School District; Alexis Regnier, Holt Public Schools; and Stacey Sopher, Livonia Public Schools 

 

B26 — Chalkboards to Chatbots: AI’s Role in Education 

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in school and in the workplace presents legal and ethical questions, a balancing of interests, and numerous recommendations for and against the use of this technology. Explore how Michigan schools are handling the use of AI and learn appropriate use for your students and staff. 

Presenter(s): Mary Bradley and Maddison Moser, Clark Hill 

 

B27 — Cybersecurity Culture in a K-12 Environment 

Many K-12 organizations struggle to establish a culture of cybersecurity for various reasons like lack of funding, resource, etc. Learn how K-12s can establish a culture of cybersecurity with the resources available. 

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

 

B28 — A System of 1: Repeated 5,000 Times 

Why is transportation so hard for people to understand? Because they see their one student and miss the thousands of others that are picked up each day. Developing a set of quantitative and qualitative indicators that demonstrate the cost effectiveness, performance efficiency, and operational objectives of your operation can help all your stakeholders understand your 1 to 5,000. 

Presenter(s): Tim Ammon, Ammon Consulting Group LLC

C03 — How Escanaba Transformed Custodial Services 

Learn how custodial consultants helped Escanaba Area Public Schools evaluate in-house versus outsourced options, identifying the best path forward, and implementing a smart outsourcing plan with clear key performance indicator (KPIs). Join us to learn how this approach delivered spotless schools, satisfied stakeholders, and a replicable model for other districts — whether in-house or outsourced. 

Presenter(s): Tony Maione and Mike Thornton, Core America and Scott O. Peterson, Escanaba Area Public Schools 

 

C04 — Restoration Services After a Disaster 

Take a practical look at how schools can navigate restoration work and industrial hygiene oversight when emergencies strike — from water damage and mold to fire incidents and environmental hazards. Learn what to expect from restoration contractors, how to ensure proper testing and documentation, and what role industrial hygienists play in safeguarding indoor air quality and building safety. 

Presenter(s): Tom S. Barczak, Jr., Terracon and Ben Nyenhuis, John Grace Restoration 

 

C05 — Community Engagement During a Bond Campaign 

Learn from an expert panel on how to align district and community needs during a successful bond campaign. 

Presenter(s): Christine Guitar, CMG Consulting; Brodie J. Killian and Robert J. Naughton, PFM Financial Advisors, LLC; and Christine Thomas-Hill, Traverse City Area Public Schools

 

C06 — Creating an Ethical Business Office Environment 

Learn about the importance of an ethical environment and how to implement ethical practices and training, both in the business office and in the district. Bring your best practices and ethical dilemmas to discuss! 

Presenter(s): Bethany Verble, Maner Costerisan

 

C07 — The Importance of Grant Reconciliation 

Understand how to properly account for grant programs and why it is so important to reconcile the funds on a regular basis. 

Presenter(s): Mandi Asch-Zaborowski, Three Rivers Community Schools; Joshua Regnier, Lansing School District; and Patricia Root, Montcalm Area ISD 

 

C08 — Title Grants 

Learn the budgeting and reporting requirements for Federal Title Grants. Hear about the most frequent audit findings and how to avoid them for your district. 

Presenter(s): Frank Holes, Jr., MDE; Sammi Stevens, Portage Public Schools; and Consultant

 

C09 — Key Drivers in Healthcare Costs and What Districts Can Do About Them

Many districts in Michigan just experienced a second year of high single digit or even double digit renewals. Learn the key drivers of these rising costs and what colleague districts around the state are doing to combat them. Explore cost share models that contemplate current PA 152 requirements and potential impacts of HB 6058 if it becomes law.

Presenter(s): Representative, Gallagher

 

C10 — Budgeting in Today’s Funding Landscape 

Understand budgeting in a landscape where there has been increased state funding categoricals and increased foundation allowances paired with the sunset of emergency federal grants. Learn the key budget and cash flow projection strategies districts should employ. 

Presenter(s): William Holbrook, Utica Community Schools and Kristin Stofflet and Corey VanDyke, Plante Moran

 

C11 — How to Maximize Your Purchasing Card Program 

Learn from your colleagues how to optimize the use of your purchase card for internal controls, efficiency, and online reconciliations. 

Presenter(s): Beth Smith, PFM Financial Services LLC and Representative, U.S. Bank

 

C12 — Bond Issuance 101 

Learn the basics of the bond issuance process, including participants, ratings, and markets. Gain an understanding of your role in the process. 

Presenter(s): Mackenzie D. Flynn and Ian F. Koffler, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.

 

C13 — Food Service Basics 

Learn what a business office needs to know to support a successful food service program in a school district. 

Presenter(s): Mary Darnton, Jenison & Hudsonville Public Schools 

 

C14 — Pre-Approval for Food Service Equipment Purchases 

Understand the requirements for capital outlay requests and procurement that are required for school food service operations. 

Presenter(s): Tanea Curtis and Brenda S. Sweatman, MDE 

 

C15 — MDE Potpourri 

Hear about the latest issues facing school business officials from the department’s perspective. Learn about new governmental accounting standards, Financial Information Database (FID) changes, and the detail of state aid funding. 

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

 

C16 — Legislative Update 

What happens in Lansing affects your district. One of Michigan’s top education lobbyists will provide an overview of legislative issues the education community may see this year. 

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

 

C17 — Lead or Lag: Why AI is the Imperative 

Explore why Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption is not optional for forward-thinking districts and how leadership decisions today will define operational efficiency, and instructional quality. Get a clear framework for evaluating AI opportunities, mitigating risks, and building a roadmap that aligns innovation with district goals. 

Presenter(s): Chris Stanley, Barton Malow 

 

C18 — Collective Bargaining: Advanced Strategies 

Learn more advanced negotiation collective bargaining strategies. Bargaining delays, tensions, public pressure, and other “roadblocks” are common in the collective bargaining process. Understand proven strategies for reaching a resolution when negotiations become difficult. 

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

 

C19 — Legal Considerations in Hiring Contract Employees 

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): Marshall W. Grate and Kara T. Rozin, Clark Hill 

 

 C20 — Maximizing Durant Reimbursement 

Learn how school districts can maximize their revenue based on changes in special education financing. Experienced school business officials share their ISD plan. 

Presenter(s): Scott N. Sawyer, Saginaw ISD and David Smith, Midland County ESA

 

C21 —Leading Through Play: The Maxwell Leadership Game

Understand what it takes to be an effective leader. Learn to navigate scenarios, make decisions, and discuss leadership principles. 

Presenter(s): Dr. Tennille Woodward, GrowLeadEmpower 

 

C22 — ORS and Retirement Planning 

Get the top items of concern when a staff member starts thinking about retirement from both the employer and ORS perspectives. Hear suggestions and recommendations on how to make this a pain free and smooth process. 

Presenter(s): Stephanie Bowerson, Bobby Hoppes, Angela Sanborn, and Jennifer Smith, DTMB-ORS

 

C23 — Workers’ Compensation and Disability 

Understand the Workers’ Compensation claim process from the payroll perspective. Learn from professionals how to track the claim from incident report all the way to ORS reconciliation. 

Presenter(s): Deana Coolidge and Emily Klaver, SET SEG 

 

C24 — TSDL/REP: What’s It All About? 

Get an overview of the Teacher/Student Data Link (TSDL) and Registry of Educational Personnel (REP) collections. Learn the requirements of the collections, how they tie together, solving data quality issues, helpful reports, and more. 

Presenter(s): Caitlin Groom, Center for Educational Performance and Information

 

C25 — Leveraging AI to Boost Your Procurement Efficiency 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, including public procurement. Procurement professionals face critical challenges: selecting the right AI tools, training AI for effective use, and identifying where AI delivers the greatest impact. Learn how AI can help your procurement process. 

Presenter(s): David J. Akers, Equalis Group and Practitioner

 

C26 — Paying the Price for Device Breaks 

When student devices break, who pays the price — and how much? Paying for them can involve multiple headaches from insurance to flat-fee service plans and pay-per-repair models. Explore the benefits and pitfalls of different repair coverage models and learn to identify which approach best fits your district’s needs. 

Presenter(s): Aubrie Agnello and Thomas Matteson, Oakland Schools

 

C27 — Transforming CTE Spaces for Real-World Success 

Get a comprehensive framework for designing and implementing inspiring Career and Technical Education (CTE) environments for student success. 

Presenter(s): Sarah Grobbel, CareerWise USA and Brad Jones, Meteor Education

 

C28 — Transportation Legal Update 

Understand the laws that govern pupil transportation. 

Presenter(s): Jeremy S. Motz, Clark Hill