Julie Williams-Muz, CPA, CFO, M. ED., MSBO Board President, Director of Financial Operations, Bay-Arenac ISD
Uncertainty is one of the few things in life we can truly count on. Whether it’s in our personal lives, our professional journeys, or in the world around us, change and unpredictability seem to be constants. In school business, uncertainty often comes in the form of state budgets, legislative decisions, enrollment numbers, and factors that are well beyond our control.
As school business officials, we are expected to provide stability and direction for our districts even when we don’t know exactly what the future holds. That is no small task. Each year, we carefully prepare budgets, present recommendations, and support programs for students—all while waiting for the final word on how much funding will be available. It is a balancing act that requires skill, patience, and perspective.
This uncertainty can feel unsettling. We like to plan, forecast, and make decisions based on solid information. But in moments when the numbers are unclear or the state budget is still being debated, we often find ourselves working in the gray space between “what we hope for” and “what we know.”
So how do we manage this reality? First, it helps to recognize that uncertainty is not the enemy—it’s an opportunity. In times of uncertainty, we can step back and focus on what is within our control: the processes we put in place, the systems we build, and the relationships we cultivate. Strong internal controls, clear communication, and collaboration across departments can all help us navigate uncertainty with confidence.
Second, we can remind ourselves and our teams that flexibility is a strength. When funding levels change or assumptions need to be adjusted, our ability to adapt allows us to continue serving our districts effectively. Instead of being paralyzed by what we don’t know, we can be empowered by our readiness to adjust course as needed.
Third, perspective matters. Uncertainty in school funding may be stressful, but it is not unique to us. Every business manager, superintendent, and finance team across the state is working through the same challenges. That shared experience can be a source of comfort and connection. MSBO has always been a community where members lean on each other, share solutions, and provide encouragement. Together, we remind one another that we are not navigating this alone.
Finally, I believe it is important to hold onto hope and optimism. While we cannot predict every outcome, we can choose our mindset in facing it. In many cases, the uncertainty eventually resolves in a way that allows us to continue supporting students, staff, and programs. And even when the numbers don’t come in as we hoped, our work remains meaningful because it is centered on supporting teaching and learning in our schools.
Jon Gordon, author and leadership speaker, said it best: “Being positive doesn’t mean you ignore reality. It means you maintain hope and optimism in the face of challenges.”
As we move forward this year, let’s embrace uncertainty as part of our journey. By focusing on what we can control, staying flexible, leaning on each other, and choosing optimism, we can continue to provide the stability and leadership our districts need. Uncertainty may always be part of the equation, but it doesn’t have to define us. What defines us is how we respond—with resilience, professionalism, and purpose.