By Sharon Raschke, ED.D., CFO, MSBO Board Member, Senior Project Manager, Dexter Community Schools
In 1998, I transitioned into school business administration from outside the education sector. This career change brought both opportunities and challenges as I navigated a complex new field without structured guidance or support. Motivated by my experience, I conducted a qualitative research study as part of my doctorate in educational leadership, completed in 2003. This dissertation explored the socialization process of school business administrators entering the field from outside education.
My study revealed a critical gap: new administrators were left to navigate their roles largely on their own, which mirrored my own experience. Employers and professional associations hoped these professionals would bring valuable skills and cost-effective solutions, but without structured onboarding, mentoring, and professional development, the process often resulted in frustration, mismatches, and missed opportunities. My research emphasized that professional associations like Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) must lead efforts to develop structured and practical support programs, including formal orientation, tailored professional development, usable resources, and structured opportunities to connect with experienced individuals.
While these findings raised early awareness of the gaps in supporting new administrators, MSBO’s emerging focus reflects a significant shift in recognizing and addressing these challenges with dedication and purpose. The MSBO Board, Executive Director, and staff are now aligned in their commitment to developing programs that meaningfully support school business and operations staff in all functions and roles.
As someone who has faced these challenges firsthand, I am honored to have accepted the nomination by MSBO’s Nominations Committee for president-elect in 2025. My doctoral research taught me the importance of asking thoughtful questions and listening for shared themes. In that same spirit, I encourage you—MSBO members and stakeholders—to share your honest and thoughtful feedback. MSBO leadership is listening. Your insights are critical to shaping programs that truly meet the needs of the school business profession and ensure the success of our future leaders.
MSBO’s renewed focus reflects a bold and proactive commitment to ensuring that all staff involved in school operations have the resources and guidance they need to succeed, ultimately fostering a more collaborative and efficient school environment. By refining and redeveloping systems to provide targeted professional development, tailored support systems, and networks of individuals with knowledge and experience, the organization is building a foundation for stronger leadership. These efforts will further enhance the professional, social, and economic well-being of MSBO members and ultimately contribute to better outcomes for students, staff, and communities.
Other Articles in this Newsletter
- Creating Space for Nothing – Stephanie Weese
- Dynamic Budget Projections Makes Budgeting Easy
- Get to Know the MSBO Board Candidates
- MARSP Offers Professional Development Scholarships
- MSBO Annual Conference & Exhibit Show Update
- MSBO Update – Robert Dwan
- Save the Date for Upcoming MSBO Events
- Welcome New Members