2010

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.

Annual Report Highlights

Admin — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:00:00 -0600

MSBO Executive Director David Martell shares highlights from MSBO's 2009-10 Annual Report. The annual report provides a snapshot of activities held throughout the past fiscal year, as well as highlighting products and services, membership and certification as well as other MSBO programming.

You may have problems viewing this video because of the extensive Internet traffic during the holiday season. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. To view the complete 2009-10 MSBO Annual Report, click here: http://www.msbo.org/about/AnnualRpt/09-10AnnualRpt.pdf

December 2010 Column from MSBO on Vimeo.

MSBO Financial Strategies–The Latest Information

Admin — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 09:00:00 -0600

January 18-19, 2011 
Kellogg Center, East Lansing  

9 am to 4 pm on Tuesday
 9 am to 4 pm on Wednesday

Get the latest information on the economy, the budget, school aid and the future of school revenues at the MSBO Financial Strategies Conference. This conference will help you and your district prepare for the upcoming budget and labor negotiation processes. Learn how you can use data analysis to pinpoint areas within your district where you can focus your efforts to gain efficiencies. With leadership opportunities all around us, we’ve secured an internationally know expert in leadership training to discuss leading your district through reform.

Why attend? Just take a look at this agenda!

Get an up-to-date forecast of the school aid fund revenues, retirement system performance and negotiation tactics
Find out what data is important to monitor for you to gain efficiency
Learn how and why you need to become involved with the legislative process
Get the information you need to maintain 31a At-Risk compliance
Network with your colleagues and gain ideas you can take back to your district

SB-CEU Information: Those who attend the entire conference (both days) will earn 1.1 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:  $250 MSBO members •  $310 Non members

Lodging Information:The block of overnight rooms at the Kellogg Center is full for the MSBO Financial Strategies Conference January 18-19, 2011. MSBO has secured a room block at the University Quality Inn, which is just one mile from the MSU campus at the low rate of $64.95. The University Quality Inn is located at 3121 East Grand River Avenue, Lansing, Michigan 48912. To make a reservation, call 517.351.1440 and identify yourself with MSBO to receive our rate.

If you would like more information on the facility go to: www.universityqualityinn.com.

Focus on Facilities: Custodial Certificate Program–Meaningful Professional Learning Helps Districts

Admin — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 08:00:00 -0600

We all recognize that professional development helps us do our jobs more effectively. It expands our knowledge base and gives us credibility in our professions. We know it makes for improved performance, increases positive morale and helps employee teams work cohesively.

School district custodians are often one group in particular that receive less training than desired. We often struggle to find the time and resources to provide meaningful training to these employees.

To help districts provide the type of training that can improve performance along with pride of profession, MSBO has developed the Custodial Certificate Program (CCP).

CCP is designed to be delivered on site in most cases, eliminating the need to send employees to other locations. It consists of 10 courses taught by experts in the field specifically trained to teach this program. Employees will receive study materials and a certificate upon successful completion of the program.

Training classes can be arranged over time as the opportunities present themselves.

MSBO will track the progress of employees enrolled in the program and work with the district to schedule required courses that fit into the district’s schedule.

Course Topics:

Chemistry of Cleaning
Tools of the Trade
Environmental/Energy Efficiency
Operational Efficiency
Restroom Cleaning
Hard Floor Care
Carpet Care
Equipment Maintenance
Cleaning for Health
Customer Service

This program has been implemented in a number of districts around the state with very high satisfaction ratings of the participants and the supervisors.

For more information about this program, contact Scott Little at 517-327-2582.

2011 MSBO Annual Conference Early Bird Registration is Open

Admin — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 07:00:00 -0600

If you register and pay for the 2011 MSBO Annual Conference & Exhibit Show by Tuesday, February 1, 2011 you will receive an Early Bird discount. Regular registration will be $275, but early bird registration is $240. 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 take advantage of the Early Bird registration, you’ll need to select specific clinic sessions at a later date once the program has been finalized. You’ll receive an e-mail notice when that’s ready. Please note that you may register now for the Pre-Conferences; however, certification class registration will come later.

Register now and you could win one of these three prizes: one night's lodging, a suite upgrade or an iPod Nano. The earlier you register - the more chances you have to win. Drawings will be held in January, February, March and April.

Conference Registration Scholarships Available
The MSBO Board has authorized scholarships for members to attend the 2011 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 the full conference or a one-day registration. Scholarships do not include the Pre-Conferences or certification classes offered before the Conference. 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 together to 517.327.0768.

When the clinic topics and speakers are confirmed, we will contact Early Bird registrants to select their sessions. Certification classes and specific topics for Pre-Conferences will be sent to you at a future date.

If you have questions about registration procedures, e-mail Marte Cadwell or call her at 517.327.5920.

Headquarters Hotel Available for Reservations–Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids, MI–The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel has conference rates of $129 for a single/double room. For reservations call 800.253.3590 using the “MSBO” reservation code 1098U1. Daily parking costs are $16 for self-park/$25 for valet per night (parking prices are subject to change). The Amway charges a $50 penalty for checking out before your planned departure date; be sure to inquire about the policy at check in if you have any concerns.

Taking the LABOR out of Labor Relations Workshop co-sponsored by MSBO, MASB, & MASA Feb. 11, 2011

Admin — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 06:00:00 -0600

Gaining a common understanding of negotiations, and getting administrators and board members on the same page for strategies and responses, is key to success at the bargaining table. This informative workshop will help build solidarity in the negotiations process, even during difficult times and funding uncertainties. The future is uncertain. Employees are paying 3 percent more for their retirement, and health care issues are confusing and complicated to negotiate. Add to that our new obligations to negotiate performance and merit pay and link them to evaluation procedures. And, don’t forget to factor in the dozens of new superintendents and hundreds of school board members who may be dealing with this issue for the very first time. You get the picture!

To help our members have the latest information on all negotiation topics—from basic bargaining concepts to understanding impasse procedures—MASB, MSBO and MASA are pleased to offer a one-day workshop on Taking the LABOR Out of Labor Relations, Feb.11, 2011 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing.

Topics to be covered include:

Building and Rebuilding Relationships With Your Staff
Negotiating Evaluation and Merit Pay - What Happened and What's Happening?
Review of Recent MERC Cases and Fact-finding Reports
Communications with Your Staff and Community During Negotiations
Pressure Tactics: Identify, Prepare and Respond
The Basics of the Law and Practice of Labor Negotiations
A Review on the Latest Settlements
Preparing for and Presenting a Fact-finding Case
Impasse Procedures and Implementation of a Final Offer

This workshop is designed for the seasoned professional and the new board member and administrator. You'll come away with an understanding of your legal obligations, practical information and materials you can use, and a clear understanding of the current negotiations climate.

Preparation is the first step to any district's success in negotiations. Bring a team and join your colleagues in preparing together and learning from the experts and one another.

To register, go to http://emerge.masb.org/source/Events/Event.cfm?Event=LR_11.

Coming in 2011–Child Nutrition Director Certification

Admin — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 05:00:00 -0600

In early 2011, Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) members will have the opportunity to expand their credentials by earning the new Child Nutrition Director Certification.

MSBO, in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the School Nutrition Association of Michigan (SNAM), has developed a new certification program that will combine the food service training of both MDE and SNAM with MSBO’s current Food Service Director certification.

This collaboration would provide continuity and consistency among these organizations concerning everything you need to know in child nutrition.

Janet Gaffke, MDE Statewide Training Task Force appointee, joined forces with MIEM Operations Director and MSBO Certification Director, Debbie Kopkau, to develop the requirements for the new Child Nutrition Director certification. This new program will be more in line with the School Nutrition Association of Michigan (SNAM) Level I certification and begin the path towards Level II.

More information on the new certification program will be available in January 2011.

Celebrate Your Success!

Admin — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 05:00:00 -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 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, 2011. 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.

School Business Official of the Year Award
Meridian Award of Excellence
Distinguished Service Award
Mark & Kay Stebbins Scholarship
Wally Piper Scholarship

Click here for more information about these awards.

ASBO International–Resources, Connections, Opportunities

Admin — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 03:00:00 -0600

As a school business manager, you advocate for every student in your district. You make sure they have a way to get to school, textbooks and supplies when they get there, and a safe and stimulating environment in which to learn and grow. You work every day to ensure they have nutritious meals, up-to-date technology, and a healthy building.

That’s just a slice of your role in promoting education in your district. You also manage employee health and compensation plans, ensure compliance with education legislation, oversee allocation of resources, work with the community, and so much more.

When you join ASBO International, you join more than 5,000 other leaders in the profession who face the same challenges, celebrate the same triumphs, and share your commitment to ensuring a quality education for all students.

ASBO offers opportunities for you to grow personally and professionally. Join ASBO at www.asbointl.org