By Dena Mayer, CPA, CFO, MSBO Board President, Director of Finance and Human Resources, Eastern Upper Peninsula ISD
Almost a year ago, I spoke to the membership at our virtual annual conference thanks to ZOOM technology. I said that, “we have struggled in many areas this past year, but also found new ways of doing things. So, what will our new normal be? Who knows, but together, as Michigan School Business Officials, we have a role in what that will be in our schools. Let’s embrace that role, and together, we will come out of this pandemic in a better place.”
This school year, districts faced similar challenges to that “first” pandemic year – we also learned from our experiences and navigated those challenges quite successfully! School business officials made the “new normal” work. Now, we are in a different place. COVID numbers have dropped, face mask mandates have been lifted. We’ve found new ways of serving our students and our communities.
A year has gone by and once again MSBO is preparing for its conference and exhibit show. We learned a lot about holding a virtual conference. We learned that we could successfully offer professional development on a virtual platform. We also learned that nothing beats an in-person exhibit show. It is crucial for exhibitors to meet MSBO members and talk to them in person. We also learned how important it is for members to get together. We know that the conference is a great learning opportunity and attendees gather valuable information that will help them at their jobs. Another major benefit of the conference is the ability to meet others and create a professional network.
When you attend the MSBO Annual Conference & Exhibit show you create a network community. That community of business officials will offer assistance and guidance for your entire career! You will share challenges and solutions. You will grow professionally and you will be instrumental in helping others in your network. There is no better way to create this community than meeting people in person.
As a mom of three, I have found it difficult at times over the years to be away for three plus days, but it has been truly wonderful making business connections (and friendships) with other business officials across the state and connecting with vendors at the exhibit hall. The knowledge I gain and connections that I make benefits my ISD and the local districts I serve. I encourage those of you that have a young family to know that your time away from home attending the conference is an investment in your district. It is worth the time investment to help you be the best business official you can be for your district, both now and in the future.
If you are new to MSBO, please consider attending the conference. Reach out to other members. Create your community. And if you are that seasoned professional, attending your 5th or 20th MSBO Conference, rekindle those old friendships and reach out to the new faces you see. Don’t forget that you need a break from your work in the office to refresh and unwind a bit. You will be with colleagues that know what you have been going through. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. I look forward to seeing many “new” and “old” faces in Grand Rapids!
Other Articles in this Newsletter
- Congratulations to the 2022 MSBO Awards and Scholarships Recipients
- MSBO Board of Directors Election is April 6
- MSBO Bylaws and Resolutions Committee Proposes Amending Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation
- MSBO Update – David Martell
- The Extended Early Bird Registration Period Closes March 31
- Welcome New Members
- Worry Less, Giggle More! – Julie Williams-Muz