By Brian Marcel, CFO, MSBO Board Member, Assistant Superintendent, Administrative & Support Services, Washtenaw ISD
A couple of weeks ago I was processing what I hope to be our last of the Michigan Classroom Heroes Grants appeals and it took me back to the initial release of the initial grant from which many of you were excluded. I remember seeing a few posts on the listserv about the exclusion and then heard similar comments from other colleagues. Our valued school business officials were even specifically called out in the grant FAQ as not being eligible, which made the exclusion feel even harsher.
Then this past week I attended the MDE/MSBO Workshop and was overwhelmed with the level of content. The workshop was fantastic, and the presenters did an awesome job highlighting the important aspects we needed to hear. One seasoned business official commented that it was one of the best, most comprehensive workshop he has ever attended.
What the workshop also did was make me reflect on what all of you have been challenged with over the last 18 months. Writing, implementing, and updating COVID Preparedness and Response Plans; pinballing pupil accounting rules including learning the difference between distance learning and virtual learning; constant meetings with administrators, staff, unions, and parents; accounting for and complying with the myriad of new grants and their requirements, timelines, etc.; updating general ledgers for the hundreds/thousands of new accounts; figuring out how to socially distance on a bus and ensure the students are masked; creatively strategizing on how to provide a socially-distanced lunch; figuring out how to prepare and deliver meals during remote learning; PPE purchasing, distributing, tracking; planning for and executing midday high-touch surface cleaning; purchasing, imaging, distributing, and tracking devices so students could participate in and staff could provide remote learning; COVID close contact/quarantine tracing; and reviewing, adjusting, and hiring due to staff resignations and leaves. While not an exhaustive list by any means, I’m feeling the stress just typing it out!
This is all to say that no matter whether you received a Classroom Heroes grant stipend or not, there’s no question in my mind that you are all heroes! You are MSBO Heroes! The level of commitment and dedication you have shown to your students and public education has been exemplary, out-of-bounds, admirable, outstanding… I’m proud to be a member of this organization with you.
Other Articles in this Newsletter
- 23rd Annual Facilities & Operations Directors Conference
- Embrace the Present! – Deanna Mayer
- Investing in MSBO Members – A Scholarship Could be in Your Future
- MAISA Publishing Quarterly SEN Newsletter
- MSBO Makes School Bus Purchasing Easy, Effective and Efficient
- MSBO Update – David Martell
- Save the Date
- Welcome New Members