March, 2005
|
Is it possible we are into March already? That is the time of year we are heavy into budget planning for the next year - making projections for enrollments, calculating anticipated revenues based on the current finance formula, analyzing various salary packages, dealing with another round of bad news on health insurance increases, and trying to help the Board understand why more cuts are necessary and what the prioritization process will be this year. The fun times are here!! To add to the mix, we are almost guaranteed the finance formula will be different next year!! Will the legislature pull through and do what is right for the children of Kansas? Will the Supreme Court agree that the legislative solution meets their expectations - Or - will they step in and make their own finance formula guidelines?
So many unanswered questions!! But we are not allowed the luxury of responding with another question; our responsibility is to provide answers, direction and leadership. We must use our intuitions and historical data to create budgets where many unknowns exist. We are expected to maintain contracts and extend work agreements when the future is uncertain. No small task, but thank goodness we have each other to lean on, whine a bit, release frustrations - but also acquire new knowledge and hit the road ready to lead the charge for another year.
Which brings us to our annual convention at the Wichita Marriott this coming April 20-22. Inside is more information on the details for this convention. For many, there is no question in your mind as to your continued participation. For others, there is always a good reason to stay home - too busy, don’t know anyone, ……! During these difficult years, we need each other more than ever. While we pride ourselves on the value of the sessions presented at the convention, perhaps the greatest value is the networking with others in our profession going through the same challenges we face every day. We can all learn from each other’s mistakes, and share some of our own misguided moments and successes. We deserve this time together; we need every one of you to make this the best convention it can possibly be. Many KASBO members have worked hard to make sure the convention is full of activities and quality professional growth opportunities - but your presence is the key to our success.
Come help us move KASBO from good to GREAT.
As always, please don't hesitate to call or email your KASBO Board members with any suggestions you have to improve our organization. See you in Wichita.
Gary Diener
USD 233 Olathe
KASBO President 2004-2005
diener@olatheschools.com
February 23 KASBO Board of Directors Meeting and
February 24, 2005 Winter Workshop-
The Board of Directors would like to thank the participants of the 2005 KASBO Winter Workshop held on Thursday, February 24 at the Smoky Hill Service Center in Salina, Kansas. The meetings were extremely informative as always.
Ninety-three attendees heard a panel of three, small to large, districts that participated in a study conducted by Dale Dennis, Deputy Commissioner of Education. The study consisted of fifty-five volunteer districts who were asked to calculate costs for a normal/regular student, additional costs for an at-risk student and additional costs for a bilingual student. Norm Wilks, El Dorado USD 490, and Mark Tallman, KASB, lined out important legislation introduced in Topeka. Providers of 403(b) products informed business officials of new changes coming concerning recordkeeping complications. At the same time, the other part of the group learned about on-line fee payments and collection. If you weren’t there, you missed a rare opportunity to hear Christy Levings, KNEA President, share her thoughts concerning the unified collaboration needed by KASB, USA, KASBO and KNEA. Like me, you may find yourself in an adversarial role with NEA, at times, so HER upbeat and revealing look from the other side of education came as a refreshing surprise.
For the rest of the Spring the Convention Committee, the Professional Development Committee, and the Board of Directors will focus on the 2005 State Convention in Wichita on April 20-22 at the Marriott. Start making plans now! Of course, our traditions will be represented but there are always new ideas. Get ready to have a conversation with other business officials who share your interests in a “parking lot” discussion minus the wind and fumes! Just a reminder, bring your golf clubs and your…bowling shoes. After the year in finance we are going to have, you’ll want a place to vent, regroup and laugh your troubles a way. Who knows, you’ll probably get ideas on how to make it to the end of the year with innovative ideas from the best “networking” venue around.
In related news, President Gary Diener, President-Elect Kathleen Whitley, and Vice-President Fred Meier traveled to Boston for the ASBO Leadership Conference in February. Not surprisingly, each felt the opportunity as a great way to experience other philosophies on education with a common bond to our unique business. ASBO will be held October 21-23, 2005. If you have not had the opportunity to attend this conference, you should know that ASBO can offer a “crash course” exposing you to national educational issues which, often times, have roots in our local communities. Give yourself a treat with this education. Furthermore, Dr. Rob Balsters, Seaman USD 345, is running for ASBO Vice-President, after serving two years on the ASBO International Board. The word “fantastic” hardly describes knowing and helping a fellow Kansan bring recognition and exceptional professionalism to Kansas school business.
Speaking of doing something for you, buy a KASBO shirt. For $29 you can have a sharp looking shirt that shows your “KASBO” spirit. And while you’re at it, remember to work on your Professional Recognition Program. I just completed the paperwork myself and I can guarantee you that it’s not as difficult as it seems at first glance. A little preparation goes a long way. If you find yourself short of points, then ask yourself what you can do to contribute to KASBO, help yourself be more involved with school business, and get yourself recognized for the work you already do. As a matter of fact, did you ask to be involved with KASBO? The Board strives to have a cross representation of districts on the Board and represented on committees. Have you signed up or let anyone know your intentions? I’m a prime example of one who put a foot forward to get involved and I’ve been rewarded for every moment of effort.
Don’t forget to go to the KASBO website for the latest on information pertaining to school business. You can also reminisce with pictures from past workshops and conventions. All workshop and convention registrations can be accessed from the site. Perry McCabe, Haysville USD 261, is the webmaster. The Board recognizes his thankless work and plans to thank him formally at the state convention. When you see or talk to Perry, please express your gratitude for his efforts. In addition, Steve Koger, Board Vendor Representative, and his company M.A.C.S., has agreed to support KASBO with a ListServ. The difference between this listserv and others is that you have the opportunity to join, but won’t be automatically added, and this will be for the dissemination of information to KASBO members only. There will be no requests for surveys and the articles chosen for display will be archived for convenience. Please pay attention for future information on how to sign up.
As complicated as it gets, remember who we do it for…the KIDS! See ya’ in Wichita!
Todd Stephenson, USD 313 Buhler
KASBO Secretary
This year’s ASBO Leadership Conference was held February 10-12 in Boston, Massachusetts at the Westin Copley Place. Kansas was well represented by Gary Diener, President, Kathleen Whitley, President-Elect, Karen Schadel, KASBO Executive Director, and Fred Meier, Vice President. Also representing Kansas were Linda Jones, USD 259 Wichita, who serves on an ASBO committee, and Rob Balsters from USD 345 Seaman. Rob is a candidate for Vice President of the ASBO Board and currently serves on the ASBO Board of Directors.
This conference was extremely informational with a variety of leadership issues being addressed from the school business point of view. Topics ranged from “Leading with the Heart” to “Leadership in the School Business Function: What it Looks Like, What the Impact Is, How to do It”. All who attended came away with a wealth of ideas of how to stimulate growth for our Kansas affiliate and our own person districts. Boston isn’t a bad place to visit either. The many fantastic restaurants and historical sites makes this a location you will want to visit. Plan now to attend the ASBO Convention in October.
Many thanks to the KASBO membership for allowing us to participate in this fantastic conference. Because of your continual support, Kansas is one of the leading affiliates. Let’s also show our support for Rob Balsters in his quest to become Vice-President of ASBO. Rob’s election would truly put another ‘feather in our cap’!!
February 23, 2006 Winter Workshop, Smoky Hill Service Center, Salina
On December 16, 2004, Lisa Peters, USD 305, Salina and Deb Hoffman, USD 428, Great Bend, conducted an audit of the KASBO financial records for fiscal year ending June 30, 2004.
The balance sheet was reviewed and verified to appropriate records. CD interest and the investment balances were checked and traced to supporting documentation.
The income statement was crosschecked with the bank statements to verify all revenue and expenditures were included. The bank reconciliation process was reviewed for accuracy and timeliness.
Revenue and expenses were compared by category to last fiscal year’s records for reasonableness. Large variations were reviewed and explained. Income receipted by the Executive Director and the Treasurer, was randomly tested to ensure all funds turned over to the Treasurer was deposited accurately.
All expenditures were reviewed for 1099 filing requirements.
The expenditure listing was compared to the purchase orders on file to assure that a purchase order was written and approved for each purchase with the signatures of the treasurer and the board president affixed. Disbursements were reviewed for authorized signatures, endorsements, and supporting documentation, such as itemized receipts.
Board minutes were reviewed for any purchase approvals and other relevant financial activities.
After reviewing the financial records, we find the financial records represent a fair and accurate picture of the financial status of the Kansas Association of School Business Officials.
Deb Hoffman, USD 428 Great Bend
KASBO Board Member
I invite you to attend the 91 st annual Association of School Business Officials’ International Convention on October 21-24, 2005 in Boston, Massachusetts. You will have the opportunity to meet with more than 1,500 school business officials from across the country and around the world to share strategies and best practices, enhance professional development and network with colleagues. Detailed information will soon be located on the web site at asbointl.org.
The format of this year’s conference will differ slightly from prior years. The conference will begin with Pre-Annual Meeting Workshops and the Opening Mixer on Friday, October 21. The keynote speakers are scheduled for Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings with discussion groups, technology showcase, etc. and access to the Resource Center (vendor area) to follow on those three days. The President’s Reception will be the closing event on Monday evening.
We are very fortunate to have Rob Balsters serve as a current board member and be one of two candidates for the office of vice president this coming year. We are tentatively planning a dessert reception in his honor on Friday, October 21. This has been a well received event in prior years and I encourage you to consider being in attendance this year to show your support for Rob and help in demonstrating our Kansas hospitality!
The convention will be located at the Hynes Convention Center in downtown Boston and the headquarters hotel will be the Boston Marriott Copley Place. Karen Schadel has tentatively reserved 10 rooms, so please contact her if you would like one of these rooms. She needs to know this information prior to May 1, the deadline for turning back unused rooms. KASBO is tentatively planning to have a suite available at the Marriott for attendees to gather during down time to relax and visit.
I hope to see you in Boston!
What better way to relieve the stress and tension of what is going on in the Legislature, than to sing! The KASBO Choir is planning to sing at the State Convention at Wichita, held April 20 through 22.
Music was passed out and a very short practice was attended by a few Choir members at the February workshop in Salina. We have more music for new members and will practice on Wednesday, April 20 th at 4:15 P.M. and again at 7:00 A.M. on Thursday morning, the 21 st. The Choir will perform at the banquet Thursday evening.
Please come join us at the practices and performance. There are no professionals in this group, so don’t be shy! We just get together and have a lot of fun! Those of you, who already have the music, please remember to bring it to convention.
If you have any questions, just e-mail abfish@terraworld.net or call 620-374-2113