Schedule: Wednesday, April 24

A01 — Food Service Program Accountability

Thornapple, Amway

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): Heather Holland, Stacy L. Lamper-McFall, and Jasmine Stinson, MDE

 

A02 — Human Resources for the Business Manager

Pantlind, 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, Equal Employment Opportunity Act, Family Medical Leave Act, and Freedom of Information Act among others with be addressed. Learn the important skills to keep your school district in compliance, and how to create sustainable initiatives for embedding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in your organization. Required: Chief Financial Officer – Elective: all other tracks.

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

B03 — Construction Projects: Clarifying Widespread Misunderstandings about Laws and Procedures

Ambassador West, Amway

School districts continually address varying levels of construction, renovation, and remodeling. When certain rules and regulations apply is often confusing, and even more so when school districts may be using both state/local and federal funds to accomplish these construction projects. For example, when do you need to use a licensed architect or have plan approval through the Bureau of Construction Codes? Discover clarification of common misconceptions about laws applicable to school construction.

Presenter(s): Dana L. Abrahams, Clark Hill PLC

 

B04 — Bring Custodial Services Back In-House?

Emerald B, Amway

Many districts privatized their custodial services in the last decade. Some districts have recently begun to bring these services back in- house. Learn how some school districts have approached this transition and how it’s working out.

Presenter(s): Russell Bray and Stafford Trapp, Cedar Springs Public Schools; Kelly Shrauger, Kingscott Associates, Inc.

 

B05 — Arbitrage Rebate Compliance and Strategies for Bonds in the Current Interest Rate Environment

Haldane, Amway

Interest rates are at levels we have not seen in more than 15 years. The upward trend in interest rates that began in mid-2022 makes earning positive arbitrage more likely for bonds issued today and (surprise!) even for bonds issued in the low rate environment from 2018 to 2021. Understand arbitrage rebate requirements with a focus on when rebate calculations should be prepared, exceptions to the rebate requirement including the small issuer and spending exceptions, yield restriction analysis for unspent proceeds for new money issues at the end of the 3-year temporary period, what is a bona fide debt service fund, fair market value of investments and yield burning, and when rebate payments must be paid to the IRS and the costs and consequences of a late rebate payment.

Presenter(s): Christopher J. Iamarino, Thrun Law Firm, P.C. and David Walters, PFM Asset Management LLC

 

B06 — School Nutrition Program Financial Reporting and Auditing Considerations

Grand Gallery Overlook CD, DeVos

Learn the main compliance and audit issues in the food service fund and how to navigate them, along with best practices for financial reporting.

Presenter(s): Kristi Krafft-Bellsky, Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors and Michelle Needham, MDE

 

B07 — Bond and Sinking Fund Audit and Reporting Requirements

Session content covered in B11 — Accounting and Auditing Update.

 

B08 — Affordable Care Act (ACA) Overview: Are Your Calculations Correct?

Vandenberg A, Amway

Get an overview of ACA compliance for employers: tracking, eligibility, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reporting, and penalties.

Presenter(s): Isaac Updike and Autumn Ward, SET SEG

 

B09 — Trends in Talent Retention, Engagement, and Attraction: How They Impact a District’s Bottom Line

Atrium, Amway

As the nature of work changes, the competition for talent is fierce. Learn the connection between an organization’s culture and that organization’s success, what employees are expecting from their employers and strategies employers are implementing to deliver on those expectations.

Presenter(s): Chadd Hodkinson, Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. and Christopher LaHaie, Thornapple Kellogg Schools

 

B10 — Cash Flow and Short-Term Borrowing Options

Heritage Hill, Amway

Gain a better understanding of school districts’ options for borrowing to finance cash flow deficits and other short-term needs. Learn the process and timelines involved with each as well as tips on how to structure each type of note to best fit your school district.

Presenter(s): Mackenzie D. Flynn and Michael D. Gresens, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.

 

B11 — Accounting and Auditing Update

Ambassador East, Amway

Learn about key accounting topics including new audit standards (GASB 96, GASB 101), single audit updates from Compliance Supplement, as well as understanding the implication of sunsetting COVID relief grants. Get up-to-speed on other items impacting your FY23 audit. Discuss the new bulletin issued in 2023 regarding bond reporting requirements. Understand practical issues in bond and sinking fund financial management.

Presenter(s): Tiffany Stacey and Michael Walsh, Plante Moran

 

B12 — Practical Implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act

Berkey, Amway

Understand the ins and outs of the Inflation Reduction Act. Examine a practical case study in evaluating the Inflation Reduction Act’s options for financing projects.

Presenter(s): Julie Davis, Forest Hills Public Schools; Ian F. Koffler, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.; and Nate Watson, PFM Financial Advisors, LLC

 

B13 — Navigating the New Financial Literacy Requirements

Nelson, Amway

A Junior Achievement representative will outline the new financial literacy legislative requirements (starting with graduation classes of 2027) and what types of programs can meet the mandated targets.

Presenter(s): William Coderre, III and Laura Lutterbeck, Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes and Ronald Foor, Mercantile Bank

B14 — Special Education Finance 101

Grand Gallery Overlook EF, DeVos

Learn about the different special education funding streams including state reimbursement and how Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) flowthrough funds are used. Understand the basics of subrecipient monitoring processes.

Presenter(s): Chris Frank, Macomb ISD and Abby Lloyd, Allegan Area ESA

 

B15 — Understanding and Best Usage of Your MILAF+ Consortium

Grand View B, Amway

The Michigan School District Liquid Asset Fund Plus (“MILAF+” or the “Fund”) is a comprehensive cash management program. In 1987, MSBO, MASA, and MASB collaborated to form the Michigan Liquid Asset Fund Plus program. The Fund was established for the purpose of allowing Michigan public agencies to pool their investment funds to seek the highest possible investment yield, while maintaining liquidity and preserving capital. Learn what MILAF+ is and how to use it in your school district’s investment program as well as utilization of the online portal, Connect. Hear practical investment strategies using MILAF+ in today’s market environment.

Presenter(s): Michael Barry, Amber Cannegieter, and Tahsha Mitchell, MILAF+/PFM Asset Management, LLC

 

B16 — Critical Food Service Budget Metrics

Kendall, Amway

Running a successful school food service operation is very much like running a successful business. There are many metrics to guide you in order to keep a program self-supporting. How should labor costs compare to food costs? How many meals per labor hour should be expected? Whether you are a food service director or a business manager with oversight responsibilities, it’s important for you to understand these data points, along with how to influence them positively for a financially successful program.

Presenter(s): Mary Darnton, Jenison & Hudsonville Public Schools and Carolyn Thomas, Macomb ISD

 

B17 — Who the Heck is Gen Z?

Grand Gallery Overlook AB, DeVos

More than one-third of the world’s population is now counting themselves as Gen Zers. This group will soon surpass Millennials as the most populous generation on earth. They’re the new norm in workplace culture. The future of your organization depends on how effectively you can bring in Gen Zers and keep them engaged. You’ll leave with practical tips and tools to successfully bring these creative, hardworking, digitally-savvy professionals into your organization.

Presenter(s): Megan Garton, American Fidelity; Mary Beth Rogers, Clarkston Community Schools; and Andrew Travis, Cardinal Group Companies

 

B18 — Reviewing Board Policies: Practical Do’s and Don’ts

Grand View A, Amway

School boards and superintendents of well-governed school districts use policies to provide an outline of the district’s methods of achieving its dual mission of providing a safe and orderly educational environment as well as performing its fiduciary duties with district funds and resources. Understand board policies as a living document that empowers boards and superintendents to shape their organizations. Understand best practices in crafting and using policies as well as merging those policies with administrative guidelines.

Presenter(s): Joseph B. Urban, Clark Hill PLC

 

B19 — Hidden Gems and Expert Tips to Increase Productivity and Enhance Collaboration with Microsoft 365

River Overlook AB, DeVos

Unlock the potential Microsoft tools for productivity and collaboration. Learn some of Microsoft’s hidden gems and share proven expert tips to enhance your workflow with Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and more. Elevate your skills and efficiency.

Presenter(s): Kelly Williams, Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE)

 

B20 — Legal Update

Pearl, Amway

Learn 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 Jennifer K. Starlin, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.

 

B21 — MDE Potpourri

River Overlook CD, DeVos

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

 

B22 — Collective Bargaining Basics

Grand Gallery Overlook GH, DeVos

Understand the basic steps and practical tips related to navigating through the collective bargaining process. Learn the process of effective collective bargaining starting with an overview of the process, laws impacting collective bargaining and practical tips for navigating the process. Understand cost analysis of collective bargaining, how to access state aid information, transfer health insurance increases and the impact of step increases and other wages and benefits on the school district’s budget.

Presenter(s): MaryJo D. Banasik and Austin M. DeLano, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.

 

B23 — Legal Considerations in Hiring Contract Employees and Retirees

Vandenberg B, 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, Clark Hill PLC

 

B24 — Understanding Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement System (MPSERS) Audits

Governor’s, Amway

Submitting wages and hours to the retirement system requires an understanding of reporting. Audits are driven by what is reported to Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS). Learn what audits ORS performs and how to prepare for them.

Presenter(s): Steve Cary, Bobby Hoppes, Josefina E. McCloud, Angela Sanborn, and Jennifer Smith, DTMB-ORS

 

B25 — Fundamentals of Purchasing Policies and Procedures

Imperial, Amway

Understand purchasing laws and regulations that affect school procurements, particularly the interplay between state and federal laws. Get the nitty-gritty information you need to make sure your district is protected and operating according to best practices. Having the proper framework for purchasing can save your district money and save embarrassment if there is a problem!

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

 

B26 — Sustaining Your 1:1 Computing Roundtable

Winchester, Amway

Are you a new 1:1 computing district? Or are you a district with a 1:1 computing program looking for some fresh ideas? Join this roundtable discussion to hear what other districts are doing and share your own experiences with a sustainable 1:1 computing program.

Presenter(s): Benjamin Rimes, Coloma Community Schools

 

B27 — Cybersecurity: A School’s Journey

President Ford, Amway

Learn how one school district invested and committed to cybersecurity technology and training to protect against bad actors.

Presenter(s): Paul Grienke, SET SEG

 

B28 — Transportation Technology Can Maximize Funding

Emerald A, Amway

Leveraging transportation technology is becoming critical in the calculation of transportation funding. Consider data available from routing software, Global Positioning System (GPS), student management, and video; and how to ensure its utilized properly. Learn how to meet the logistical and administrative challenges of the new funding practices. Discover how to integrate different tools and maximize the reporting capabilities that may expand funding sources to include Medicaid and other applicable funds.

Presenter(s): Tim Ammon, Zonar Systems

C03 — New Drinking Water Filtration Law

Ambassador East, Amway

Hear the latest on the “Filtration First” law adopted in Michigan in recent months. Learn about the requirements for a management plan, sampling, and filtration for all consumption fixtures.

Presenter(s): Holly Gohlke, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

 

C04 — Construction: Dealing with Material and Performance Delays

Emerald B, Amway

Have your projects been delayed? Are supply chain issues and labor shortages impacting your projects? These unprecedented times of disruption in the procurement process combined with labor shortages can prolong your projects. Learn about solutions that can help address some of these issues and keep your projects on time and on budget.

Presenter(s): Rob Atkins, Kingscott Associates, Inc.; Rex J. Clary, Saline Area Schools; Fredric G. Heidemann, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.; and Becky Timberlake, Clark Construction Company

 

C05 — Frequently Found Audit Issues

Grand Gallery Overlook CD, DeVos

Understand common findings in compliance, internal controls, and other deficiencies. Hear from experienced district auditors and MDE staff.

Presenter(s): Joselito Quintero and Gloria Jean Suggitt, MDE and Jennifer Watkins, Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors

 

C06 — The Bargaining Battlefield: A Forum

Vandenberg A, Amway

Navigate benefit bargaining pitfalls with our expert panel. Learn strategies for bargaining success.

Presenter(s): Jamie Carnes, Ionia County ISD; Jeffrey P. Crouse, SET SEG; and Kara T. Rozin, Clark Hill PLC

 

C07 — The Importance of Internal Controls

Haldane, Amway

Whether you have a hunch someone is stealing from your organization, or you’re simply worried there are opportunities to do so, acting quickly is imperative. Learn more about how fraud and theft could impact your organization and internal control procedures to implement to hopefully keep it from happening to you.

Presenter(s): Charles E. Story, Rehmann Corporate Investigations

 

C08 — Bond Financing: Best Practices for Districts

Imperial, Amway

Learn about bond financing for your school district. A panel of finance experts will discuss best practices in assessing needs, voting and selling bonds, managing debt, and sinking funds.

Presenter(s): Ian F. Koffler, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.; Jon Laing, Lansing School District; Tamera L. Powers, Byron Center Public Schools; Rick West, Troy School District; and Jeffrey A. Zylstra, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.

 

C09 — Booster Clubs and Support Groups: Limiting Potential Liability

Grand Gallery Overlook EF, DeVos

Now that GASB 84 has been implemented, your school may be dealing with new relationship dynamics as it relates to booster clubs, support groups, and the host of other activity funds school districts formerly held as fiduciary accounts. Get answers to your recurring questions, discuss externalizing support groups to reduce liability, highlight policies and procedures that should be adjusted, and discuss practical ways to address areas of conflict with these support groups.

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

 

C10 — Budgeting in Today’s Landscape of State and Federal Funding

River Overlook AB, DeVos

What are the key budget and cash flow projection strategies districts should employ since federal funding has returned to “normal” levels. Learn budgeting considerations in a landscape where there has been increased state funding categoricals and increase in foundation allowance paired with the sunset of emergency federal grants.

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

 

C11 — Capital Funding Alternatives

Berkey, Amway

Understand capital alternatives that school district’s can use to enhance their budgets including information on sinking funds, non-voted bonds, voted bonds, and more.

Presenter(s): James M. Crowley and Alan D. Szuma, Miller Canfield and Jesse R. Nelson, Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, LLC

 

C12 — Bulletin 1022 Accounting Manual Overview

Grand Gallery Overlook GH, 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

 

C13 — Insurance Basics for New Business Managers

Nelson, Amway

Learn key things new business managers should know about property and casualty insurance, workers’ compensation, health insurance, and employee benefits.

Presenter(s): Chadd Hodkinson, Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. and Travis Van Tighem, Risk Program Administrators

 

C14 — Food Service Basics

Winchester, Amway

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

Presenter(s): Taneá Curtis-Brooks, MDE and Mary Darnton, Jenison & Hudsonville Public Schools

 

C15 — Food Service Excess Fund Balances

Grand View A, Amway

Excess fund balances are on the rise! Learn the requirements and strategies to manage fund balances, along with the connection to the Office of Health and Nutrition Services (OHNS) Equipment Process.

Presenter(s): Michelle Needham, MDE

 

C16 — Women in Leadership

Ambassador West, Amway

Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion that delves into the triumphs and challenges, and the unique perspectives of women leading the way in their professions. Panelists will share their personal journeys, insights, and strategies for navigating the path to leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an emerging leader, come engage in an authentic conversation, that is sure to inspire you on your own career path.

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

 

C17 — Staff Retirement: Who’s Role is it Anyway?

President Ford, Amway

Learn from top human resource directors in the state along with a seasoned business official how each plays a role in preparing a staff member for retirement. Is it hands off, or hands on? Learn what to consider and the pitfalls to avoid.

Presenter(s): Jessica Galbraith and Kelly Powers, Muskegon Area ISD

 

C18 — AI: A Curse or a Cure?

River Overlook EF, DeVos

Could you use a couple of more hours each day? We can’t add hours to the day, but we can automate processes to gain more efficiency in your day. Learn how Artificial Intelligence (AI) could drive the future of business operations and education. It’s not just for the classroom.

Presenter(s): Justin Bruno and Ken Dirkin, Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute

 

C19 — The Value and Benefit of Worksite Wellness

Kendall, Amway

Learn how to reduce stress, boost productivity, and enhance mental health through a workplace wellness program.

Presenter(s): Rhonda Jones, MESSA

 

C20 — Employee Leave and Compensation: Get It Right or Pay the Price

River Overlook CD, DeVos

Learn proactive steps, including the review of board policies, collective bargaining agreements; and individual contracts to ensure that these issues are handled correctly from the start. Learn how COVID-19 has (and has not) affected your Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) compliance.

Presenter(s): Cathleen M. Dooley, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.

 

C21 — Everything You Need to Know About Employment Contracts

Atrium, Amway

The same old “form” employment contracts get passed down from year-to-year and across all different types of employees. This practice exposes schools to avoidable headaches and potential legal dead ends. Employment contracts should be carefully tailored to the specific employee group or to the specific employee. Learn the common mistakes and how to easily avoid them. Understand how employment contracts and board policy impact discharge, layoff, and nonrenewal decisions.

Presenter(s): MaryJo D. Banasik and Austin M. DeLano, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.

 

C22 — Payroll Processing and Legal Compliance

Governor’s, Amway

Get a deeper dive on how your procedures for payroll processing intersect with legal compliance. Understand reporting, recordkeeping, tracking, timing, leave, and overtime rules, and the determination of employee vs. independent contractor.

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

 

C23 — Pupil Accounting Fundamentals

Vandenberg B, Amway

The pupil accounting rules and regulations can be a complex maze for both new and seasoned business officials. Learn the basic rules and regulations surrounding pupil accounting along with strategies for the upcoming school year.

Presenter(s): Piotr M. Matusiak and Jennifer K. Starlin, Thrun Law Firm, P.C.

 

C24 — Negotiating Contracts for Goods and Services

Emerald A, Amway

Whether you are a buyer or a seller, understanding the legal obligations, the drivers behind the deal, and the basic elements for contract formation can greatly enhance your leverage and bargaining position. Learning the effect various terms have on the overall deal will enable you to recognize problematic areas, negotiate changes when appropriate, and negotiate your position to reach terms you are able to live with.

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

 

C25 — Is Your Data Safe?

Heritage Hill, Amway

Understand the process for managing the availability, usability, integrity, and security of the data in systems. Learn a practical approach to data governance in schools. Learn how Artificial Intelligence (AI) impacts data governance.

Presenter(s): Kurt Rheaume, Wayne RESA and David Tebo, Ottawa Area ISD

 

C26 — Budgets for IT: A New Perspective

Pearl, Amway

Using cost per pupil as a metric for IT funding is a new way of looking at budgeting. Learn the challenges and opportunities of developing a technology budget using total cost of ownership and lifecycle management. Understand ways to be proactive in collaborating with your business manager in prioritizing your technology expenditures.

Presenter(s): Susan Case, Forest Hills Public Schools and Matthew Lindner, Plante Moran

 

C27 — Getting the SE-4094 Right: It’s Important

Grand Gallery Overlook AB, DeVos

Learn how the data driven by the SE-4094 impacts your district and why it’s so important to be accurate. With recent changes in general education transportation expense reimbursement due to the transportation categorical, it is critical that the business office works closely with the transportation department so all required forms and accurate data are reported to ensure your district’s maximum benefit. Review and discuss all the relevant data information and forms including the SE-4107 School Bus Inventory, SE-4159 Transportation Student Count, General Ed, and Special Ed, MCL 388.1618(7) relating to the ISD review and audit of the SE-4094 before State submission.

Presenter(s): Thomas G. Korth, Oakland Schools