Attendees
Schedule: Wednesday, April 30
Start Your Day
7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Registration
Center Concourse, Amway
7:00 – 9:00 am
Breakfast
Ballrooms AD, DeVos
8:00 – 9:00 am
Opening General Session and Welcome
Ballrooms AD, DeVos
Welcome
President Stephanie Weese will open the 86th MSBO Annual Conference & Exhibit Show celebrating our successes and honoring members and exhibitors who have met milestones.
Enter Improvisation!
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
A01 — Technology Policies
Emerald B, Amway
Get an overview of the policies and procedures that should be in place, including Acceptable Use Policies (AUP), network policies, e-mails, filtering of network, listservs, laptops, copyright, licensing, and software selection policies. Understand asset management, web publishing, and the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Required: Chief Technology Officer and Specialist in Educational Data — Elective: all other tracks.
Presenter(s): Nathanial Moore, Kearsley Community Schools and Ryan J. Nicholson, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.
A02 — Human Resources for the Business Manager
Governors, Amway
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 that 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 the 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 — Filter First Update
Ambassador West, Amway
Hear directly from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) on the new safe drinking water requirements for students and staff. Learn how you can comply with all regulations and better understand updated guidance. Get the latest information to ensure your district is prepared for upcoming deadlines.
Presenter(s): Holly Gohlke, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
B04 — Asset Collection and Preventative Maintenance with QR Codes
Nelson, Amway
Learn how users can scan a QR code to create a work request, track an asset, or even complete work.
Presenter(s): Pat Buchanan and Herb Crawford, OperationsHERO
B05 — Positive Arbitrage is Back!
Pearl, 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 — Sole Source for 403(b)
Winchester, Amway
Learn how Saginaw ISD started a single source for employee deferred compensation and increased employee opportunities.
Presenter(s): Kyle J. Clement and Josh Williams, Williams & Company Financial Services and Scott N. Sawyer, Saginaw ISD
B07 — Applying for Grants
President Ford, Amway
Learn how to locate federal, state and other recommended grants that could benefit your district. Get tips that help with achieving a successful application.
Presenter(s): James Hissong, Kent ISD and Abbie Weiland, Kentwood 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 — Emergency Planning: Putting Out Fires in Finance
Kendall, Amway
The finance office is on the front line when it comes to emergency planning. Be prepared and learn best practices to get your business office up to speed after a building fire or disaster.
Presenter(s): David Smith, Saginaw ISD
B10 — Cash Flow and Short-Term Borrowing Options
Thornapple, 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): Emily J. Barr and Alan D. Szuma, Miller Canfield
B11 — Technology in Education: Consider the Full Equation
Heritage Hill, Amway
Education leaders have many things to consider when they’re making technology decisions, such as current systems, processes, and budget. Join us to learn how Apple helps school and district leaders make a smart investment in the technology they provide to their students, teachers, and IT. We’ll share new research findings, customer insights, and more.
Presenter(s): Representatives, Apple Education
B12 — Dealing with Boosters and Activity Funds in Your District
River Overlook EF, 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 — Bulletin 1022 Accounting Manual Overview
River Overlook CD, DeVos
Learn the basics of the Bulletin 1022 public school accounting manual. Get an overview of the state requirements and how following the standard chart of accounts can help you better manage your district budget, accounting, and year-end reporting.
Presenter(s): Rhonda Kribs, Grand Rapids Public Schools and Christopher May, MDE
B14 — Understanding the Relationship Between GSRP Programs and Food Service
Vandenberg B, Amway
Great Start Readiness Programs (GSRP) are unique and have different rules. Understand how these rules impact food service programs. Learn what is permissible when it comes to supporting them.
Presenter(s): Lynn Cavett, MDE; Dawn Kalkman, MiLEAP; Heather Lucas, Livingston ESA; and Carolyn Thomas, Macomb ISD
B15 — Fraud Prevention in K-12 Education: Risk Management Insights for the Board
Grand View A, Amway
In today’s world, it is vital to maintain a heightened focus on the risk of management override and fraud. Given the potential for severe and long-lasting legal, financial, and reputational consequences, establishing an ongoing process to assess and mitigate risks, including fraud, is crucial for achieving organizational goals. Fraud prevention requires continuous effort and discussion at the school board and executive management level to ensure internal controls are effective and emerging risks are addressed. Get a comprehensive understanding of the risks posed against educational institutions and what you can do to stay protected.
Presenter(s): Charles E. Story, Rehmann
B16 — Legal Update
River Overlook AB, DeVos
Learn about significant legal developments that impact school districts. Hear 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): Daniel R. Martin and Erin H. Walz, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.
Handouts will be provided at the session.
B17 — AI in the Workplace
Monroe BD, DeVos
The co-author of AI for Accountants: A Practitioners Guide and experienced keynote speaker will share the ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Learn about both the practical and ethical considerations of AI in the workplace and in the education world.
Presenter(s): Dr. Scott Dell, Ferris State University
B18 — Employee Evaluations: The Who and the What!
Emerald A, Amway
The idea of evaluating staff isn’t new, but there are new components for the coming year. Get guidance and understand changes in the law that will most impact your district.
Presenter(s): MaryJo D. Banasik, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.
Handouts will be provided at the session.
B19 — Breaking Up is Hard to Do
Vandenberg A, Amway
The reality of human resources is the fact that not every hire works out perfectly. Knowing when a separation agreement is necessary, and how to work through the process is essential. Learn about the process and how to effectively execute a fair and legitimate agreement.
Presenter(s): Katherine Broaddus, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.
B20 — MSBO BMA: Mini Session
Grand View C, 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
B21 — Women in Leadership
Imperial, Amway
Join 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 — IDEA Grants for ISDs
Chase Boardroom, DeVos
Understand the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Special Education grant. Learn tips for budgeting and reporting.
Presenter(s): John Andrejack, Adam Fisher, Christopher Kelley, Alejandro Trevino, and Shelby Zenk, MDE
B23 — Understanding Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS) Audits
Pantlind, Amway
Submitting wages and hours to the retirement system requires an understanding of reporting. Audits are driven by what is reported to ORS. Learn what audits ORS performs and how to prepare for them.
Presenter(s): Steve Cary, Bobby Hoppes, Angela Sanborn, and Jennifer Smith, DTMB-ORS
B24 — Do You Have the Right Educator Teaching the Right Subject?
Monroe A, DeVos
Gain guidance and understanding of records placement and compliance and how to accurately assign educator records in the Registry of Educational Personnel (REP).
Presenter(s): Krista Ried and Katie Schmiedeknecht, MDE
B25 — Competitive Bidding 101
Atrium, Amway
Every school business official needs a fundamental understanding of contracts and competitive bidding. Every contract a school district enters should be scrutinized for unfavorable and unlawful terms to prevent future headaches. Learn what needs to be competitively bid and what does not along with tips for updating your school district’s current competitive bidding and purchasing policies.
Presenter(s): Mackenzie D. Flynn and Kirk C. Herald, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.
B26 — Cybersecurity: The Value of Shared Services in Defending School Districts
Berkey, Amway
School districts continue to be a top target for cyber-attacks, and it is becoming increasingly relevant that necessary resources to defend against attacks and mitigate the risk are needed. Those resources can include the strategic services provided by a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), or the tactical solutions provided by a Security Operations Center (SOC). The challenge, as always, is finding a cost-effective manner to obtain these services in a climate of limited funding. Get information on a recent feasibility study which was aimed at examining potential shared services models for SOC and CISO services, to be potentially provided at the ISD and/or regional level.
Presenter(s): Matthew Lindner and Kyle Miller, Plante Moran
B27 — Social Media Policies and Procedures
Grand View B, Amway
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): Mary Bradley and Kara T. Rozin, Clark Hill PLC
B28 — Transportation Legal Update
Haldane, Amway
Understand the laws that govern pupil transportation.
Presenter(s): Alexander Lindamood and Jeremy S. Motz, Clark Hill PLC
10:20 – 10:40 am
Break
C03 — New Design-Build Law for School Construction
Monroe BD, DeVos
School districts now have the option to utilize the design-build construction method for school building projects. Get all the information you need to take advantage of this method.
Presenter(s): Dana L. Abrahams and Jeremy S. Motz, Clark Hill PLC
C04 — Theatre and Auditorium Operations
Haldane, Amway
Theatres and auditoriums are unique spaces to manage. Understand maintenance issues, upgrade options, and compliance requirements related to these spaces.
Presenter(s): Russell Blain, R. Blain Consulting LLC; Daniel Collick, True North Rigging; Tim Hamilton, HAV Design; David Kolenda, West Michigan Lighting; and Art Rauterberg, KLA Laboratories Inc.
C05 — Lessons Learned: Community Engagement During a Bond Campaign
Emerald A, Amway
Learn from an expert panel on how to align district and community needs during a successful bond campaign.
Presenter(s): 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
Vandenberg A, Amway
Review the current ethical landscape, the impact of technology, and ways to increase business ethics. Learn about the importance of an ethical environment and learn 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
Chase Boardroom, DeVos
Understand how and why it is so important to reconcile grant accounting.
Presenter(s): Mandi Asch-Zaborowski, Three Rivers Community Schools and Joshua Regnier, Lansing School District
C08 — Title Grants
River Overlook AB, DeVos
Learn the budgeting and reporting requirements for federal Title Grants. Hear about frequent audit findings from a state expert.
Presenter(s): Michele Cutcher and Frank Holes, Jr., MDE and Samantha Stevens, Portage Public Schools
C09 — Healthcare Hikes: Key Drivers Behind Health Insurance Increases
Vandenberg B, Amway
Explore key trends of rising costs: inflation, pricing discrepancies, specialty medications, and claims.
Presenter(s): Cathy Hungerford and Casey Kilcherman, SET SEG
C10 — Budgeting in Today’s Landscape of State and Federal Funding
Ambassador West, Amway
Understand budgeting considerations in a landscape where there has been increased state funding categoricals and increased foundation allowances paired with the sunset of emergency federal grants. Now that federal funding has returned to a “normal” level, learn the key budget and cash flow projection strategies districts should employ.
Presenter(s): William Holbrook, Utica Community Schools and Jennifer Kolbow and Corey VanDyke, Plante Moran
C11 — How to Maximize Your Purchasing Card Program
Heritage Hill, Amway
Learn from your colleagues how to optimize the use of your Michigan School Purchasing Card.
Presenter(s): Lisa M. Krosnicki, Charlevoix-Emmet ISD; April Shaw, Gratiot- Isabella RESD; Beth Smith, PFM Financial Services LLC; Becky Vazquez, Wyoming Public Schools; and Dianne Webster, Mattawan Consolidated School
C12 — Bond Issuance 101
Nelson, Amway
How do you sell bonds? Why? Who needs to be involved and how long does the process take? Learn the basics of the bond issuance process, including participants, ratings, and markets.
Presenter(s): Mackenzie D. Flynn and Ian F. Koffler, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.
C13 — Food Service Basics
Grand View B, 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 — Food and Nutrition Services “Open Mic”
Winchester, Amway
Learn from your colleagues and bring your questions and current issues for discussion. 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): Lori Adkins, Oakland Schools and Carolyn Thomas, Macomb ISD
C15 — MDE Potpourri
Pantlind, Amway
Learn 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 latest on state aid.
Presenter(s): Philip Boone, Christopher May, and Kevin Walters, MDE
C16 — Legislative Update
River 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 — Women and Money
River Overlook EF, DeVos
Join Robin Hauser, Director of the award-winning documentary $avvy and participate in a conversation about women’s relationship with money that will inspire confidence and motivation to take control of your personal finances.
Presenter(s): Robin Hauser, Director/Producer
C18 — Maximizing Resources, Empowering Students: Michigan’s $101M Technology Consolidation Grants
Kendall, Amway
Explore the transformative potential of Michigan’s $101.6 million investment in technology consolidation for K-12 education. Hear the details of the recently announced consolidation incentive awards, funded through Section 12c of the 2023-24 School Aid Act. Learn how five ISDs will utilize these grants to centralize technology services, benefiting all Michigan public and charter schools.
Presenter(s): Michael Coats, Kalamazoo RESA; Merri Lynn Colligan, Tammy Evans, and Matt McMahon, MAISA
C19 — Human Resources “Open Mic”
Imperial, Amway
Learn from your colleagues and bring your questions and current issues for discussion. 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): Chelsea Giles, Gratiot-Isabella RESD and Jennifer Grigg, Saginaw ISD
C20 — Maximizing Durant Reimbursement with Forms SE-4094 & SE-4096
Monroe A, DeVos
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 and David Smith, Saginaw ISD
C21 — Leading Through Play: Unveiling Leadership Insights with the Maxwell Leadership Game
Pearl, 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 — Workers’ Compensation and Disability
Ambassador East, Amway
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
C23 — TSDL/REP: What’s It All About?
President Ford, Amway
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, CEPI
C24 — Understand Cooperative Purchasing Roundtable
Thornapple, Amway
Understand cooperative purchasing and the pros and cons of how they work.
Presenter(s): Linda Blohm, Lenawee ISD; Anna Marie Hollander and Michelle Selak, Oakland Schools; and Michael Richardson, REMC SAVE
C25 — Data Privacy and Security: A Primer on Vendor Due Diligence and Negotiating DPAs
Berkey, Amway
Learn how to identify, quantify, and negotiate the transfer of legal and compliance risk in Data Protection Addendums (DPA) for education technology tools and other vendor and partner data sharing agreements. Review best practices and strategies to manage risk in contracting, focusing on the six areas of negotiation in DPAs and data sharing agreements: (1) Indemnification and Limitation of Liability, (2) Data Use Limitations, (3) Data Breach Protocols, (4) Cyber Insurance, (5) Legal Basis for Processing, (6) Audit Rights.
Presenter(s): Ilya Smith, Clark Hill PLC
C26 — Post-COVID Technology Refresh Cycles
Grand View C, Amway
Roundtable conversation about how COVID funds have you rethinking refresh cycles for all technology.
Presenter(s): Benjamin Rimes, Coloma Community Schools
C27 — Creative Recruiting and Retention Strategies for Bus Drivers
Grand View A, Amway
Learn how one district has employed unique strategies to attract and keep bus drivers.
Presenter(s): Trevor Bulmer, Comstock Park Public Schools
C28 — Employee Engagement
Atrium, Amway
How do you measure employee engagement? Would the answer to that question be different depending upon your generational moniker? Does a Baby Boomer measure engagement differently than a Generation Z? Knowing how to measure staff engagement is a must. If everyone measures employee engagement differently, how do we know if employees are truly engaged? Identify important internal markers that apply to all age groups. Learn strategies of how to meet those values and increase staff engagement.
Presenter(s): David J. Hulings, Hulings and Associates, L.L.C.
11:40 am – 12:00 pm
Break
Wednesday Afternoon
12:00 – 1:30 pm
Lunch/Business Meeting/Awards
Ballrooms, DeVos
President Stephanie Weese will lead us through the business meeting, present awards to MSBO members and educational leaders, and thank our sponsors and educational members.
1:30 – 2:15 pm
Keynote Presentation – Fireside Chat: The Likeability Dilemma
Robin Hauser, Documentarian
Ballrooms, DeVos
Documentarian and TED Speaker Robin Hauser dives into the dilemma between competence and likability faced by women in leadership roles, detangling the unconscious beliefs and gendered thinking that distort what it means to be a good leader. Robin is an award-winning director of documentary films at Finish Line Features and has produced several documentary films.
2:15 – 5:00 pm
Exhibit Show
Exhibit Halls BC, DeVos
Visit over 440 exhibit booths displaying a wide variety of products and services used by schools. We are proud to have the largest educational exhibit show in Michigan. Thank you, exhibitors! We appreciate your support of MSBO.
Wednesday Evening
5:00 – 6:00 pm
Wayne County School Business Officials Meeting
Atrium, Amway
5:15 – 6:00 pm
Northern School Business Officials Meeting
Ruby, Amway
5:15 – 6:30 pm
MSBO Welcome Reception
Ambassador, Amway
All attendees, presenters, sponsors, and exhibitors are welcome to attend.