Dec

Attacking Health Care Cost with Employee Wellness

Admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:00:00 -0600

With the implementation of health insurance caps upon us January 1, 2012, districts are looking for every possible way to save costs on employee insurance. Certainly plan design and employee utilization are always main components in the discussion around health insurance costs. However, the latest trend in this newly consumer-driven market may well be cost avoidance by virtue of getting healthy. Could part of the answer be as simple as looking in the mirror?

A recent white paper out of the American Institute for Preventative Medicine indicated that over 60% of employers are now offering employee wellness programs. Without accurate state wide data to access, I surveyed districts in our region and found the number to be closer to 10% with formal wellness programs.

This new consumer focus on health insurance costs in education presents districts with an opportunity to engage employees in wellness programs that could have an impact on their paychecks in the near future. These programs can have an immediate and direct effect on self-funded districts, but also will have a trailing effect on districts that purchase insurance which utilize claims data as a component of premium rates.

While we just started our program this fall, there are several districts in the state with advanced programs. Van Buren ISD has been involved with employee wellness for several years and has presented at past MSBO conferences on their program. We also found that our network provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield, has many resources to connect with including web-based health tools and even Wellness Specialists.

There are many approaches to starting a wellness program, but most seem to concur that there are two main components to success. First you must gather support from the top levels of the district. Without the administrative support the program will likely not have the resources or access to employees needed to have an impact. Second, a committee of wellness minded employees from all facets of the organization bring a lot of ideas and energy to a program. A committee covering all employee groups can help employees to understand unique wellness challenges facing each group, as well as their families.

We started our program with a non-threatening contest that anyone could participate in simply moving - a pedometer contest. We had 74% of our employees join this inaugural contest and it was a great success. In six weeks, our group of 150 employees took enough steps to circumnavigate the world at the 45th parallel, which runs through our district! We had several local companies donate prizes and it has generated a lot of momentum to get or stay fit.

While at-work exercise contests are fun, wellness is not just about fitness. Wellness also includes managing health conditions, so connecting people with resources is also one of our goals. We are also planning events that include the families of our employees. Using health insurance data, our committee quickly came to realize that a majority of the costs of health care in our district are spent on our families. To affect costs we need to focus on the lifestyle of everyone in our plan. The AIPM report also indicated that 87.5% of health care costs are due to an individual’s lifestyle. Having families fill out a Health Risk Assessment can help identify the types of health education and resources our employees need.

As the employer, it is important to the bottom line to have a healthy workforce. A study by the American Journal of Health Promotion indicated that every dollar spent on wellness returns $3.48 in reduced medical costs. It also measured a savings of $5.82 for every dollar in reduced absenteeism.

With the season of “resolutions” upon us, make a district resolution to get everyone healthier in 2012!

References:
American Institute for Preventative Medicine Wellness White Paper - Click here to read the report

Facing Change

Admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:00:00 -0600

One of the greatest benefits of being part of our wonderful organization is the ability to interact with peers on issues affecting all of us. Many of us are the lone eagles in our districts and it is good to have the ability to commiserate on some of the crazy issues affecting school business. I had a wonderful opportunity to do just that at the Leadership Conference held in Detroit in October as we worked on planning the topics for the annual conference.

At no time in my 20+ years in schools have we seen the number of changes occurring at such a rapid pace. One of our colleagues mentioned that the fall used to be a catch up time after the audit and suddenly it feels like March and we are all on the run. We are living in tough times and we always have to put what we do into perspective.

In deciding on what to write for this article, a fellow board member, Brenda Voutyras, reminded me of a column that Sandy Motz wrote when she was the president of MSBO back in 2003. This column was about “A Reality Check….” And Sandy stated, “as each of us does our own “reality check,” we need to remember that our investment of time and self must go beyond managing the daily problems. We must look ahead and provide leadership to our staff so that they can enjoy working in an environment that embraces change. We are investing today in the leaders of tomorrow!"

Brenda has kept the following article on her refrigerator as a reminder about change and perspective. The article has no author to give credit, but it fits the struggles of our times as well now as back in 2003.

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less wellness. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life; we’ve added years to life, not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.

We’ve conquered outer space, but not inner space; we’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted our soul; we’ve split the atom, but not our prejudice. We have higher incomes, but lower morals; we’ve become long on quantity, but short on quality. These are the times of tall men, and shorter character, steep profits, and shallow relationships.

It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom; a time when technology can bring a message to you, and a time when you can choose either to make a difference, or hit “delete.”

MSBO Update

Admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:00:00 -0600

Facing wind gusts of 40-miles-per-hour, MSBO Executive Director David Martell discusses preparations for the MSBO Annual Conference, which will be held in Detroit at Cobo Center, as well as providing an MSBO update. You might have to turn the volume up! David wanted to retake the video – but the staff said no.

Your District Can’t Afford to Miss this Conference

Admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:00:00 -0600

January 17-18, 2012 • Kellogg Center, East Lansing, MI
Tuesday: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and Wednesday: 9:00 am to 3:30 pm

Please note: The deadline for room reservations at the Kellogg Center is December 17, 2011.

In order to be useful, information must be timely and accurate! That’s what’s in store for you at this year’s annual MSBO Financial Strategies Conference. We’ve read your comments and have lengthened the session times, added more time for questions and will dismiss earlier on Wednesday to accommodate winter travel! The focus of this conference will bring you up-to-speed on the economic situation, discuss the latest negotiations trends, as well as give you information you’ll need to prepare your preliminary 2012-13 budget! Your district can’t afford you to miss this one!

Download the Agenda for details.

SB-CEU Information: Those who attend the entire conference (both days) will earn 1.1 SB-CEU’s.

Registration Information: Register online or download the registration form and fax it to: 517.327.0768 or mail it to: 1001 Centennial Way, Suite 200, Lansing, MI 48917.

Fees:

$260 MSBO members
$340 Non members

Lodging Information: Overnight accommodations are NOT included in the registration fee. A block of rooms is reserved at the Kellogg Center until December 17. Make your overnight accommodations directly with the Kellogg Center at 517.432.4000 in order to receive the conference rate. Conference rate for a $91 single/double. Identify MSBO as the group you are with to receive the special rates.

Questions: Contact Bob Dwan at 517.327.2581

And by the way...

SET SEG has sponsored the reception at the Financial Strategies Conference for a number of years. This year, SET SEG would like the reception to honor Chuck Miller and celebrate his years of supporting MSBO and our members. This will be convenient for those of you attending the conference. For those of you who are NOT planning to attend the conference, yet would like to attend the reception, please RSVP for this event. To RSVP, click here.

MSBO Annual Conference Early Bird Registration is Now Open

Admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:00:00 -0600

Take Advantage of MSBO’s Annual Conference Early Bird Registration

If you register and pay for the 2012 MSBO Annual Conference & Exhibit Show by Wednesday, February 1, 2012, you will receive Early Bird discounted rates and be entered for great prizes. This year's Conference will be held at Cobo Center in Detroit. See the Early Bird Registration form or online registration for pricing. You may register for the full Conference, one-day Conference, Pre-Conferences and Tuesday certification classes at this time. When the clinic topics and speakers are confirmed, we will contact you to select and confirm your sessions, Pre-Conference and certification classes.

Conference Registration Scholarships Available

The MSBO Board has authorized scholarships for members to attend the 2012 MSBO Conference and SET SEG has agreed to continue making a generous contribution for partial support of these scholarships. The scholarship covers the cost of registration for a full or one-day Conference registration. Scholarships do not include the Tuesday Pre-Conferences and Tuesday certification classes. There is a limit of one scholarship per district. Recipients are responsible for their own transportation and lodging. MSBO will notify you regarding the status of your scholarship application approximately one to two weeks after it is received.

For the Early Bird registrants: Fill out the registration form or register online.

For Scholarship registrants: if you are applying for a scholarship you cannot register online. You must fax the scholarship application and registration form together to 517.327.0768.

You can cancel your registration at any time up to two weeks prior to the Conference and pay only a $25 processing fee. If you have questions about registration procedures, e-mail Marte Cadwell or call her at 517.327.5920.

Hotel Reservations Now Open – Our Conference host hotel is The Westin Book Cadillac, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI and has conference rates of $139 for a single/double room. For reservations call 888.627.7150 using the MSBO reservation code: "Michigan School Business Officials." Daily parking costs are $10 for self-park/$15 for valet per night (parking prices are subject to change).

Sharing Student Meal Eligibility Information and Status

Admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 -0600

According to the Eligibility Manual for School Meals, the information provided by families is to be used only for determining eligibility for meal or milk benefits and verification of eligibility. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that plan to disclose children’s eligibility status for purposes other than for determining and verifying free or reduced price eligibility must inform households of this potential disclosure. In some cases, the LEA must obtain parental consent prior to the disclosure.

Please utilize the reference attached to determine, based on the activity, whether your school/district is required to obtain parental consent for disclosure of information contained in free and reduced price meal applications or, if applicable, the Household Information Survey. Any activities not implicit in the reference attached should be preceded by full parental consent.

For questions, contact the School Nutrition Programs Unit by email to MDE-SchoolNutrition@michigan.gov or phone 517-373-3347.

Sharing Student Meal Eligibility Information and Status

Celebrate Your Success!

Admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 07:00:00 -0600

The deadline is approaching for a number of MSBO awards. This is your opportunity to recognize the extraordinary contribution of members to their school district community and to MSBO.

MSBO also offers two scholarships, which encourage and recognize individuals currently employed in school business who are improving their technical skills and competencies by pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.  

The deadline for submission of all awards and scholarships is Jan. 31, 2012. Details and criteria for the following awards and scholarships can be found on MSBO’s website. We encourage you to apply for these scholarships and consider nominating a colleague to receive these awards.

More information on awards and nomination applications are found on the MSBO website.

MASB Conference will help your negotiations team start and end on the same page

Admin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:00:00 -0600

Between financial challenges and the most significant changes in the history of labor laws in Michigan, there’s a whole new vocabulary and a new set of best practices all schools need to know.

Having a common understanding at the beginning of negotiations will help you stay on the same page during negotiations, and end on the same page as a management team.

Bring a team from your district to Lansing on Feb. 23-24 to get practical information and strategies from some of the most respected school labor practitioners in Michigan. Knowledge and information are essential to be successful in negotiations. In most districts, employee costs make up between 80 and 85 percent of your budget. You can’t afford to negotiate without preparing and getting your team on the same page.

Registration will be available soon so mark your calendars and then register early to reserve your space. This conference is being put on by MASB and is co-sponsored by MASA and MSBO.

Priceless Gifts

Admin — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:00:00 -0600

Fa-la-la-la-la… The holiday season is in full swing! This means we are scrambling to accomplish our work responsibilities as we add many holiday duties and events to our schedules. We run year-end payroll, adjust the budget, establish negotiation parameters, revise curriculums to meet new federal standards, complete numerous required reports and update our Boards. We trim the tree, purchase and wrap gifts, plan the Christmas dinner menu, and come together with family and friends. It’s a joyful time of year!

And while it is also a busy and stressful time of year it’s a time to thank, and to be thankful. As I reflect on the holidays, and consider the presents I will purchase, I find myself also thinking about gifts that cannot be purchased, but when given, can make a real difference in the lives of the children we serve.

Gifts take many forms - they don’t always come in beautiful packages with sparkling paper and bows. I consider this country’s public education system to be one of the greatest gifts that I have received, and in turn have given. Let’s look at the history of this “civic experiment.” One of the paramount challenges facing America was uniting a nation and creating a “collective” culture. Public education became the cement that many thought would bring this young country together. Horace Mann, a 19th century reformer, known as “the father of American public education,” very clearly stated his goal for public education, “It is a free school system. It knows no distinction of rich and poor…it throws open its doors and spreads the table of its bounty for all the children of the state…Education then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is the equalizer of the conditions of men, the great balance wheel of the social machinery.”

I think we can safely say that the “great experiment” is working. The core function of a school and the role it plays in children’s lives has remained somewhat the same. It is about reading, writing, and arithmetic. Yet the role of schools and school personnel has expanded to meet other societal needs. The schools of the 21st Century are far different from the schools of the 19th Century. It takes people like you to make the great civic experiment work. So in the hustle and bustle of this holiday season, pause for a moment and feel good about the gifts you give to children every day in our public schools. Your gifts take many forms, but all are wrapped in dedication, perseverance, creativity and hard work. And each is wrapped by caring hands.

Recently, at MSBO’s Leadership Conference, a member spoke about greeting students as they got off the bus on the first day of school. He asked a child if she had eaten breakfast. The answer was, “no.” He said that she also seemed nervous because it was the first day of school and she didn’t know where her classroom was located. He took her hand and walked her to the cafeteria to grab something to eat and then took her to her class. A small gift that made a huge difference to that child!

Look around at the good things happening for kids in your schools and know that your gift is considerable, and appreciated by so many! Thank-you to the school business staff working diligently every day to create and maintain a financial vision that supports the public school mission. No small task in these challenging economic times!

Thanks to the district operations staff that works to integrate the school’s energy program into curriculum, helping students to gain a greater awareness of, and appreciation for, earth’s precious yet finite natural resources. What a gift you’ve given to the environment, and to future generations as this learning experience changes student perspective and behavior!

A technology employee who brings a San Diego Zoo webcast or a Chinese distance learning event into the classroom gives the “the world” to a student who might never have been outside the boundaries of her own neighborhood. The task may be considered small and routine to the employee, but in the hands of a child this gift is precious.

And can we place a price-tag on the gift given by the food service worker who shows up early each morning to make sure a hungry student starts his day with a healthy breakfast, and then stays to serve lunch to a student who may not have the opportunity to eat again until tomorrow when she returns to school? The gifts given by our food service staff ensure that our students are ready to learn when they walk into their classrooms.

And what about the gift of a friendly salutation to a student who may be struggling with a difficult family situation? A bus driver who makes eye contact as he smiles and shouts “good morning Sam!” may utter the only kind words spoken to Sam today. In the eyes of the child, this gift is priceless.

The holidays have become one of the busiest times of year in our professional and personal lives. Take a moment to think of the gifts you bring to your school district. I’m sure you will come up with many! Acknowledge the gifts your colleagues contribute. I know that one of my gifts is the opportunity to work and have friendships with the many dedicated members of MSBO.

Season’s Greetings, everyone!

Data Driven Decision Making in the School Business Office

Admin — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:00:00 -0600

For the past decade and a half the big push in educational research and improvement has often revolved around phrases like “Data Driven Decision Making”, or “Informing Instruction through Data”. You may have been part of discussions about disaggregating data by student sub-groups or the importance of longitudinal data. All of this refers to an effort to increase the efficacy and improve the outcome of instructional strategies. The goal is to further student achievement through the use of specific data points that correlate the inputs of instruction to the outputs (or achievement) over an extended period of time. In the world of instruction this means the collection and analysis of tests and assessments results, along with educational and demographic information about students, in order to focus the instructional effort and maximize its impact.

As you sit alongside your instructional specialists in this endeavor, you understand that it is really easier said than done. Many of your districts have, are or will be implementing data management systems to make this correlated, longitudinal data available in a form that allows for fluidity in instruction in order to meet the individual needs of students in a timely fashion. While all of this activity has been focused in the classroom, we have almost ignored the opportunity to use similar strategies and systems to make better informed decisions in the business office.

I am quickly closing in on thirty years of working in the school business environment either as an auditor or a practitioner. As I reflect on that experience, I marvel at the number of extremely competent business professionals that I have encountered. They practice the craft of school business management with the same finesse and artistry that one would expect from an accomplished musician. They know their work, their district and their industry. The day- to- day decision making becomes more of an instinct rather than a awkward task. They have developed intuitiveness about their budgets and cash flow and the impact of legislation or collective bargaining. This has come with being steeped in the transactional world of the business office, being perpetually understaffed, and the jack-of-all school business trades.

It is surely an understatement to say that these past few years have been unprecedented in the amount of pressure to change how we do school business. From how, what and how much instruction is delivered, to how and by who support services are provided, to the atrophy of available revenue, we have been forced into a situation where big district-wide decisions need to be made quickly and accurately. These decisions are subject to unparalleled scrutiny by all of our stake holders and are clouded by tradition, emotions and politics. The school business office needs to facilitate appropriate and timely decision making by taking the lead in providing objective and relevant data.

Here is an example that demonstrates this thinking. Do you know what the operational cost per square foot of your buildings compared to your neighbors and other districts across the state or country? And, more importantly, why it is different? Do you have the data that will allow you to ask informed questions to find out about why it is different? Here’s another example. What are the costs of processing a purchase order in your district? Finding out why the district on the other side of your county can do it for half the cost could lead to decisions about policy, procedures, systems and staffing that save significant time and cost in this function. But not having ready access to relevant data prevents us from asking strategic questions that help make better decisions. These are a couple of simple examples For more sophisticated examples of the use of data in the business environment, type in “case study data driven decisions in business” in your favorite search engine, get a strong cup of coffee and start reading.

If you read some of the research, you will quickly realize that there are endless combinations of data associations that can be used to analyze business performance and you may begin to consider this to be an overwhelming task. I would suggest it does not have to be complicated. Most school financial systems have enough sophistication and flexibility for you to strategically identify a handful of data points or data associations that you want to keep your eye on. Initially you will spend some time identifying those and setting up some reporting templates. But once that is done, upkeep becomes almost clerical in nature and that relevant data is now accessible and objective.

From the perspective of organizational decision making, this kind of tool helps to form the basis for rational decisions. They are not opinion led, less vulnerable to bias, and will be a means to help your organization more effectively make appropriate decisions in a timely way in a fast changing business environment.