By Brian Marcel, CFO, MSBO Board Member, Associate Superintendent, Washtenaw ISD
The MSBO staff is second-to-none and does an amazing job in helping us get the resources we need to be the best we can be as we serve our districts. But they can’t do this alone. MSBO is a member-driven organization. It relies on its members to help guide its services, help with professional development, participate in, and run its committees, and many other aspects. MSBO also needs members to step up into leadership roles for those committees and the board of directors. But how do you get to there?
The pathway to leadership isn’t about just getting a title or a raise; it’s an endeavor fueled by curiosity, connection, and a commitment to the “business of public education.” Whether you are a seasoned director or new to the schools, the path to leadership is paved with opportunities to engage, learn, and eventually lead.
Leadership often begins at the local level. Attending the regional or county meetings of business officials, facilities directors, transportation directors, food service, technology directors, payroll specialists, etc. is the most accessible way to get engaged into the profession and to start becoming a leader.
To make the most of these groups for you and your colleagues:
- Ask questions: If you’re wondering about a new regulation or accounting pronouncement, chances are others are.
- Contribute to the dialogue, including doing a presentation: Your unique personal and district perspective and experience adds value to the collective knowledge of the group. When you’re ready, share a successful project or a lesson learned in a comfortable, familiar environment.
- Participate in the roundtable discussions: These informal discussions are where the most practical “in-the-trenches” advice is shared.
By meeting your colleagues and building strong relationships now, you create a support network that will sustain you throughout your career. And when you participate in these meetings, others will look to you to lead or become an officer for your regional or local group. If there isn’t a local group, consider starting one!
While regional meetings provide local context, being an active member of the MSBO program committees (facilities, food & nutrition, human resources, intermediate school district, professional development, school finance, technology, and transportation) offers the big-picture view and allows you to take your leadership to the next level.
And you don’t just have to join committees in your current area of responsibility. For example, if you coordinate payroll services at your district but have an interest in becoming a business manager, join the School Finance committee. This is where you expand your knowledge and your leadership footprint. Use these meetings to network with guest speakers and subject matter experts, but more importantly, to collaborate with peers who share your interests.
MSBO also provides fantastic professional development opportunities to expand your knowledge and improve your leadership skills. The Business Manager Academy is designed for those who want to gain in-depth, practical, “hands-on” working knowledge in school finance; this is another excellent setting to continue to build your network. The Leadership Institute is designed to help individuals grow as leaders and includes face-to-face group sessions focusing on specific leadership themes and individual, personal executive coaching sessions. Presenting at one of MSBO’s professional development sessions, including the annual conference, is another great way to stretch yourself to improve your leadership skills while also helping out your fellow members.
Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. By engaging with your regional and local groups, serving on state committees, and sharing your expertise, you aren’t just building a resume—you are strengthening the future of our schools and our organization. But don’t wait too long to get started! Time goes by quicker than you think.