Attendees
Schedule: Wednesday, April 22
Start Your Day
7:00 – 9:00 am
Breakfast
Ballrooms, DeVos
7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Registration
Center Concourse, Amway
7:45 – 9:00 am
Opening General Session and Welcome
Ballrooms, DeVos
Welcome
President Julie Williams-Muz will open the 87th MSBO Annual Conference & Exhibit Show celebrating our successes and honoring members and exhibitors who have met milestones.
Enter Improvisation!
Back by popular demand! Katlin Hall, an improvisor and humor-driven change agent, shares her unique brand and approach to communication. If you want unique results, you need a unique approach. Enter improvisation. Katlin, a Miami of Ohio Business School graduate, started her career consulting on learning and development programs for Fortune 100 companies. She helped start The Second City Chicago’s business arm where she saw the benefits of improv in communication. With roots in behavioral science and improvisation, Katlin will share improv exercises — the same exercises used to train Saturday Night Live comedians — to teach you how to think creatively and energize your communication!
Presenter: Katlin Hall, improv2grow
9:00 – 9:20 am
Break
Wednesday Morning
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
MSBO Commons: GPI | Geskus Photography Inc., Steelcase Lounge, The MSBO Exchange Kiosk
Grand Gallery, DeVos
A01 — Security/Disaster Recovery
Atrium, Amway
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
River Overlook AB, DeVos
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
Grand Gallery Overlook AB, DeVos
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
River Overlook CD, DeVos
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!
Vandenberg A, Amway
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
Pantlind, Amway
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
Grand View, Amway
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 and Peter Walblay, Grand Rapids Public Schools
B08 — Enhancing Business Office Efficiency
Ambassador East, Amway
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
Emerald B, Amway
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): Alan D. Szuma, Miller Canfield
B10 — Federal Grant Risk Assessment and Monitoring
Monroe A, DeVos
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
Heritage Hill, Amway
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
Grand Gallery Overlook GH, DeVos
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
Governors, Amway
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
Haldane, Amway
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
Emerald A, Amway
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
River Overlook EF, DeVos
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
Monroe BCD, DeVos
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
President Ford, Amway
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 Benefit Services, Inc.; and Kara T. Rozin, Clark Hill
B19 — Human Resources “Open Mic”
Grand Gallery Overlook EF, DeVos
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, Bay-Arenac ISD
B20 — IDEA Grants for ISDs
Pearl, Amway
Understand the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) special education grant. Learn tips for budgeting and reporting.
Presenter(s): Adam Fisher, Karen Hairston, Sean McLaughlin, and Shelby Zenk, MDE
B21 — Women in Leadership
Grand Gallery Overlook CD, DeVos
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): Allison Clements, Rockford Public Schools; Megan Garton, American Fidelity; Teri L. Les, Oakland Schools; Julie Omer, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools; Jessica M. Thomas, State of Michigan; and Lisa Truscott, Kingscott Associates, Inc.
B23 — Understanding MPSERS Audits
Ambassador West, Amway
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, Casey Peckham, Jennifer Smith, and Angela Sanborn, DTMB-ORS
B24 — School Administrators: Are You Appropriately Credentialed?
Imperial, Amway
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
Kendall, Amway
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): Sarah Ghareeb, Amazon Business Education; Steven M. LeBlanc, Jr., Novi Community School District; and Stacey Sopher, Livonia Public Schools
B26 — Chalkboards to Chatbots: AI’s Role in Education
Ottawa, Amway
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
Berkey, Amway
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
Vandenberg B, Amway
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
10:20 – 10:40 am
Break
C03 — How Escanaba Transformed Custodial Services
Grand Gallery Overlook EF, DeVos
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
Pearl, Amway
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
Grand Gallery Overlook GH, DeVos
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
River Overlook EF, DeVos
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
Governors, Amway
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 and Patricia Root, Montcalm Area ISD
C08 — Title Grants
River Overlook CD, DeVos
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. and Wes Seeley, MDE; Sammi Stevens, Portage Public Schools
C09 — Key Drivers in Healthcare Costs and What Districts Can Do About Them
Kendall, Amway
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): Chadd Hodkinson, Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc.
C10 — Budgeting in Today’s Funding Landscape
Ambassador West, Amway
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
Vandenberg A, Amway
Learn 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
Vandenberg B, Amway
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
Emerald A, Amway
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
Nelson, Amway
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
Pantlind, Amway
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
Grand Gallery Overlook CD, DeVos
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
Grand Gallery Overlook AB, DeVos
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
Grand View, Amway
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
Haldane, Amway
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
Ottawa, Amway
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, Bay City Public Schools and David Smith, Midland County ESA
C21 —Leading Through Play: The Maxwell Leadership Game
Emerald B, Amway
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
Ambassador East, Amway
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
Monroe BCD, DeVos
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): Emily Klaver and Steven Privasky, SET SEG
C24 — TSDL/REP: What’s It All About?
Monroe A, DeVos
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
Imperial, Amway
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
C26 — Paying the Price for Device Breaks
Berkey, Amway
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
Heritage Hill, Amway
Get a comprehensive framework for designing and implementing inspiring Career and Technical Education (CTE) environments for student success.
Presenter(s): Dr. Katrina Lewis, Meteor Education
C28 — Transportation Legal Update
President Ford, Amway
Understand the laws that govern pupil transportation.
Presenter(s): Jeremy S. Motz, Clark Hill
11:40 am – 12:00 pm
Break
Wednesday Afternoon
12:00 – 1:30 pm
Lunch/Business Meeting/Awards
Ballrooms, DeVos
1:30 – 2:15 pm
Keynote Presentation
Jon Gordon
Jon Gordon is one of the most influential and sought after leadership authors and speakers today. He’s a consultant to numerous leaders, CEO’s, NFL, NBA, and MLB Coaches, championship teams and high performers and an inspirational teacher who has helped millions of people have a more positive mindset.
Gordon challenges us to choose a single word that encapsulates our focus, intention, or vision for the year. It could be something like purpose, balance, growth, connection, or gratitude.
2:15 – 5:00 pm
Exhibit Show
Exhibit Halls BC, DeVos
Wednesday Evening
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Wayne County SBO Meeting
Atrium, Amway
5:15 – 6:00 pm
Northern Michigan SBO Meeting
Ruby, Amway
5:15 – 6:30 pm
MSBO Welcome Reception
Ambassador, Amway
All attendees, presenters, sponsors, and exhibitors are welcome to attend.