MSBO Business Manager Academy

2026-27 Application

MSBO has partnered with skilled past and present business managers to share their knowledge and experience in school finance. The Academy is designed for those who want to gain in-depth, practical, “hands-on” working knowledge in school finance. Coupled with individual mentoring opportunities, the program will assist participants in their positions, and as part of an overall school district administrative team. The 2025-26 Academy begins August 2025 and runs through June 2026.

For more information, contact Erin Rommeck (erommeck@msbo.org, 517-327-5933), Debbie Kopkau (dkopkau@msbo.org, 517-327-2587), or Jason Helsen (jhelsen@msbo.org, 517-376-3087).

Applicant Information/Criteria

Preferred bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in accounting and finance.
Member in good standing with MSBO.
Ability to commit to attend one of the following programs:
- Virtual: 22 virtual sessions OR
- Hybrid: 8 “in-person” and 6 virtual sessions and participate in a curriculum based on self-study, group work and mentoring. Excuses are at the discretion of the facilitator.
- Note: If you miss more than two meetings, you could be dropped from the program without a refund.
Submit Application with Letter of Commitment and one Letter of Recommendation focused on leadership attributes of applicant.

Dates tailored to the region in cooperation with the host site and local regional business manager group.
Self-study requirements prior to meeting sessions.
Interactive in-person sessions with general discussion, group work, and presentation.
Mentoring opportunities for participants.
Personalized feedback on additional opportunities for development.
This fulfills the Group Solutions requirement for CFO & BOM certification renewal.

Application

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Program Fees

$1,200 fee includes all course materials, refreshment breaks and meals. You will be responsible for overnight accommodations (if needed) and travel expenses. Academy begins August 2026 and runs through June 2027

Accepted applicants will receive an email with instructions for payment. SCECHs and college credit will be awarded pending approval.

Letter of Commitment

Important:

As part of the application process, you will be required to submit a Commitment Letter that includes your signature and the signature of your superintendent. Make sure you attach this signed form before completing your application.

Download the Commitment Letter

Participant Information

Name(Required)

First Last

Preferred Name

Title/Position(Required)

District(Required)

MSBO ID Number

Name of District Superintendent(Required)

Please enter the First and Last Name of your district's Superintendent.

Address (District/Employer)(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Phone (Work)(Required)

Phone (Cell)(Required)

Email(Required)

Enter Email Confirm Email

I am applying for:(Required)

Virtual - meets twice a month from 9 am - noon

Hybrid - Genesee Career Institute (GCI)*

*August-November meet in person once a month from 9 am – 3 pm; December-February virtually twice a month from 9 am – noon; March-June in person once a month from 9 am – 3 pm.

Scholarship Criteria

Scholarships has been granted for each Business Manager Academy site for 2025-26. In addition to the Application Criteria above, district financial information will be used to assess the need. Your district must meet one or more of the criteria for scholarship consideration:

Early Warning District
High Percentage of Disadvantaged Students
Low Percentage of Fund Balance (last completed year)
Negative Enrollment Trends.

Priority will also be given based on experience as the lead school business official in the school district.

Deadline for scholarship consideration is July 1, 2026.

Scholarship

Please submit my application for the MSBO Investing in Members Scholarships for the 2025-26 Business Manager Academy.

Short Answer Questions

1. List three professional goals you have related to school finance. What are your expectations of the Business Manager Academy in helping you achieve these goals?(Required)

2. What school finance related issues would you like to gain greater knowledge or understanding of?(Required)

3. As a participant of the Business Manager Academy, great emphasis is placed on participation and preparedness. Please explain how you will prepare and commit to the program if you are selected to participate:(Required)

Resume OR Biographical Statement

Upload your resume OR written biographical statement. Your application will not be considered complete without the inclusion of one of these options.

My application will include:(Required)

Resume

Biographical Statement

Resume(Required)

Max. file size: 5 MB.

Provide a biographical statement that includes: 1) Professional credentials (including degrees) and 2) Current job duties:(Required)

Document Attachment

Upload your signed commitment letter and letter of recommendation here. Your application will not be considered complete without the inclusion of these documents.

Signed Commitment Letter(Required)

Max. file size: 5 MB.

Letter of Recommendation(Required)

Max. file size: 5 MB.

Acknowledgements

I understand completion of the program involves attendance at 22 virtual sessions (Virtual cohort) or 8 in-person and 6 virtual sessions (Hybrid cohort).(Required)

I understand the importance of attendance for my success in the program, and I am committed to not miss a session without working with my facilitator to make it up.(Required)

If I must miss a group session, I will give advance notice to my facilitator as soon as I am aware. I will make up any missed individual session prior to the next scheduled group session.(Required)