By Anthony Bertucci, CFO, MSBO Board Member, Chief Financial Officer, Marquette-Alger RESA
In school business, our work naturally ebbs and flows. Some seasons are structured and predictable—budget planning, audit preparation, year-end closeout—while others bring a rush of new challenges we didn’t quite see coming. Over time, I’ve realized that these shifting seasons are not interruptions to our work; they are our work. And how we move through them matters just as much as the outcomes we produce.
Recently, I found myself reflecting on how often we push from one task to the next without taking a moment to notice the meaningful things happening around us. A conversation with a colleague, an unexpected thank-you from a staff member, a problem solved with a little creativity—these moments can be easy to overlook when deadlines loom large. Yet they often hold the reminders we need to keep going.
In the midst of our responsibilities, we sometimes forget how far we’ve come. Our roles have grown more complex, the tools we use have evolved dramatically, and the expectations placed on school business officials continue to increase. But we’ve grown too. We’ve adapted to new technologies, navigated tumultuous financial landscapes, supported our districts through uncertainty, and found ways to keep students at the center of our decisions. That is no small accomplishment.
Still, with all the progress and change, it’s worth pausing to consider the pace we maintain. We are so accustomed to being problem-solvers that we occasionally forget to take stock of the moments that make our work meaningful. The truth is, those moments don’t always announce themselves. Sometimes they come in the form of a quick message of appreciation, a shared laugh at the end of a long day, or a simple gesture that reminds us why we do what we do.
That’s why it’s worth making space for gratitude—both giving it and recognizing it when it comes our way. Gratitude has a way of grounding us in the present, even when the horizon feels uncertain. It reminds us that while our work can be demanding, it is also deeply connected to people—colleagues, staff, students, families—who rely on the systems we build and the decisions we make.
As we look ahead, the challenges will continue to shift, and new opportunities will emerge just as quickly. Technology will keep advancing, expectations will evolve, and our roles will undoubtedly become more dynamic. But one thing will remain constant: the importance of how we show up for one another.
So, as we move through the next season—whatever it holds—I encourage you to pause when you can. Notice the small wins. Offer a word of appreciation. Celebrate the progress you’ve made, even if you’re not all the way where you want to be just yet. These moments add up. They sustain us. They remind us that while the work is complex, the connections we build along the way make it all worthwhile.
Other Articles in this Newsletter
- 2026 Annual Conference Update
- AHERA Designated Person Training
- Forward Together — A December Reflection
- MSBO Annual Report: A Snapshot of Your Association
- MSBO Awards Celebrate Members Achievements
- MSBO Update – Robert Dwan
- Scholarships Help You Meet Your Career Goals
- Start the Year Right with the MSBO Financial Strategies Conference
- Welcome New Members