By Mary Beth Rogers, ED.S., CFO, MSBO Board President, Executive Director of Business Services, Clarkston Community Schools
We need to keep the discussion of mentoring going. We need to keep the spotlight on this issue. It is, in my opinion, the critical issue of our time. For that reason, I am dedicating another article to my Board President initiative that focuses on mentoring. We need to focus on helping to build the skills of the younger generation of business officials. Tim Raymer, a colleague that I highly respect, states, “If you don’t have talent, you won’t get the work done. That means attracting talent and retaining talent. And it doesn’t happen by accident.” We as an industry should be more diligent and intentional in providing what our young or newbies need to be successful. Provide them with avenues and programs and give them the reassurance that we are here for them. It is so important that there is a comfort level for asking questions and asking for help. Since my initial column addressing mentoring, there have been resources and programs added moving us in the right direction. However, I do challenge all of us to do more. In my ideal world, we would have a state-wide mentoring program. In the meantime, I am hoping that by highlighting what is going on in other areas of the state – members will emulate and imitate or take advantage of these new opportunities.
I received an email about my first mentoring article. Here is an excerpt from the email: “I would love nothing more than for you to get your desire in motion for a formal mentor/mentee program. Please don’t let this die because people aren’t speaking up or volunteering.” I heard this individual and forwarded the email to Oakland Schools and we were able to get a formalized mentoring program off the ground. The kickoff meeting was held earlier this month, and 6 mentor/mentee relationships were formalized. The exciting part was that we had 12 mentor volunteers willing to help. This new program was started with high expectations of professionalism and confidentiality, respecting each other’s time, and developing goals, sharing challenges, obstacles, and successes, offering feedback and coaching, building confidence, providing encouragement and assisting the mentee in building a professional network. These are just a few of the expectations. This new mentoring program will be highlighted in a breakout session at the MSBO Annual Conference. This is an exciting beginning. I truly hope this can be a pilot program that other regions can imitate. As someone who is part of Oakland County, I am very proud. They also have a new Residency program to place interns in local districts and to train those interns to move into higher positions in our school’s business office. Oakland Schools is developing business officials in a “grow your own” manner.
I have also heard that the MSBO Business Manager Academy (BMA) has made some changes to be geared more towards mentoring. The BMA is putting more emphasis on connections by bringing in guest experts and BMA alum to each session, who share their challenges and successes. The purpose is to provide the group resources, support, and the reality that even the good ones struggle with the challenges. They all share their contact information. Relationships are being formed and networks created.
At the SWMSBO conference in Kalamazoo on March 13, there will be a breakout session “Building a Strong Systems and Network.” This presentation will be approached from the mentee and mentor perspective, sharing with others and how to build a strong network.
It should be noted that there are several other mentorship programs around the state that are mostly operating at the regional level. Macomb-St Clair SBP, Westshore ISD and Saginaw ISD – to name a few. Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle Educational Service District and Bay-Arenac ISD are both in the early stages of offering internships to students seeking a financial career. In addition, the Eastern Upper Peninsula ISD has a program that has been in existence for years. MSBO has offered support to these programs and will to any others that may be interested.
This is just a beginning, and we have a lot to accomplish. I want to keep this conversation going. Do not be afraid to be vulnerable. If you need help, want to develop a network, or want support, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
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- Get to Know the 2024 MSBO Board Candidates
- MSBO Update – Robert Dwan
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Scott Little to Retire in June
- Welcome New Members