March, 2006
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Six KASBO members attended this year's ASBO Leadership Conference in Pittsburgh PA.
I found this conference one of the most beneficial national conferences I had been to in a long time, both professionally and personally.
The conference started out Thursday, Feb. 9th with several pre-conference seminars and a reception at Heinz Hall, a beautiful restored Symphony hall in downtown Pittsburgh.
Friday morning was busy with committee, board and general business meetings. Later that morning Jeff McCausland, PHD, former Dean of Academics, U.S. War College, shared with us his view on the global war against terrorism and the challenges facing all of us. Mr. McCausland also talked about all of us having a shared vision and what it will take to accomplish that vision.
We ended Friday with Bob Gabor of Ridge Associates on different personality and working styles. We went through exercises on how to identify your own style as well as the style of others, this brought about a better understanding of how to interact with different personalities.
Saturday morning brought Molly Gabor of Ridge Associates who discussed listening skills in working with the different personality styles.
We then took a guided walking tour of downtown Pittsburgh, catching many of the historical sites and restaurants in the area.
Saturday ended with Bob Gabor guiding us through coaching and giving effective feedback. The exercises he had us go through in small groups really took me outside of my comfort zone. I found out I am a driver who doesn’t listen very well. I want to instantly fix your problems then move on. I hope the exercises will help me to recognize this in the future. There is no gain without pain.
The three evenings we were in Pittsburgh we explored the downtown area and found it to be a very clean, friendly and safe place to have a conference. My personal perception of Pittsburgh was a dirty area with steel mills and smokestacks. That was a misconception on my part. I was impressed with the Pittsburgh people and the downtown area. I recommend all KASBO members consider attending the next ASBO conference on October 13th – 16 th, 2006, in Pittsburgh, PA. There is going to be some excellent conference seminars available and a chance to share experiences with other school business officials from around the country. I now have some new friends and contacts from around the U.S., especially Oklahoma, Alaska and the Massachusetts ASBO groups.
Hope to see you there !
Clifford Burk
KASBO Vice President
USD 453 Leavenworth Public Schools
Do you have a lot of stress? Have you forgotten how to smile? Do you want relief?
JOIN THE KASBO CHOIR!!! The Choir is going to sing at the State Convention in Topeka, held April 19 through 21. I guarantee you will remember how to smile, and I’m sure there will be a bunch of laughs!
Music was passed out at the February workshop in Salina, but we have lots more music and need lots more members! There will be a practice at about 4:15 P.M. on Wednesday the 19th and again at 7:00 A.M. on Thursday morning the 20th. The Choir will perform at the banquet on Thursday evening.
Please come and join us at the practices and performance. We all are a group of amateurs, so don’t be shy! We just get together and have fun! Those of you, who already have music, please remember to bring it to convention.
If you have any questions, just e-mail abfish@terraworld.net or call 620.374.2113
Submitted by Anna Beth Fish
KASBO Choir Director
USD 282 West Elk
Hello from the Great American Desert ( Central Kansas). Rain would help but the grass fires have assured us that the same place won’t burn twice (said with crossed fingers).
The Board of Directors met the Tuesday night before the Winter Workshop for our usual meeting. One change should be of particular interest to our members. Darren Muci, Director of Purchasing for USD 259, Wichita, shared a nation-wide purchasing program of which he is a part. As a representative of US Communities Purchasing Alliance, Mr. Muci asked KASBO to consider joining as a state sponsor. The sponsorship involves some marketing and a logo on our website. As in the past, the Board chose to maintain a neutral position by not formally endorsing US Communities, but hopes to have representation from the group at our State Convention as a vendor.
Six members of KASBO attended the ASBO Leadership Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Those who attend always bring back a certain enthusiasm with them. This is one of the ways KASBO trains our future leadership. It is also a precursor for the next ASBO International Convention in the same city. KASBO’s delegation has been strong for a long time, too. This is a good opportunity and you should plan too attend. There is information on the KASBO website, ww.kasbo.org, under “Related Links”.
Also, the KASBO Listserv is up and running and all of our membership should take advantage of the service. If you’ve signed on to it, and 90 members have so far, you will find that there is only pertinent information sent out. KASBO is determined to use the Listserv as a tool for the most efficient and effective communication with our membership. Please take the time to join.
NEW KASBO MEMBERS!
KASBO is developing a Mentorship Program to address the needs of our newest members. New school business officials will be teamed up with a “seasoned” veteran. Application forms and guidelines are being developed and further information will be shared at the State Convention.
Speaking of the 2006 KASBO State Convention in Topeka, and I was, get ready! The convention runs from Wednesday, April 19th through Friday, April 21st. All the fun, professional development, informative workshops, and super speakers are scheduled. KASBO just needs YOU! The Wednesday Night entertainment will be truly unique and we even have a Friday morning “Chat Room” that you SHOULD get caught in without feeling naughty.
Finally, the KASBO Board of Directors cannot thank our membership enough. We had a smaller turnout for the Winter Workshop at Smoky Hill Service Center than normal, but the speakers and the professional development reflected KASBO’s commitment to its members and the benefits were enriching. The agenda included new legislation and the House finance plan, information about “State Use Law” and the new “Wellness Policy Development”. Then, after lunch we heard from Legislative Post Audit, new At-Risk Guidelines and Freedom of Information. The finale consisted of the State Board of Education’s viewpoint from members Sue Gamble and Steve Abrams.
Todd Stephenson. USD 313 Buhler
KASBO Secretary
What do Phog Allen, Kirstie Alley, Hattie McDaniel, Jim Ruan, Langston Hughes, Don Johnson and Carrie Nation have in common? Famous Kansans???
The correct answer is that none of them will be attending the 42nd Annual KASBO Convention April 19-21, 2006 at the Capitol Plaza in Topeka, Kansas (well, Kirstie, Jim and Don could show up, but the others are, you know, dead.)
But you can…and should…make plans to meet with fellow KASBO members from across the the Sunflower State for this educational, motivational, recreational, and even possibly inspirational, annual event. We will all be doing our bi-partisan best to give you the tools to accomplish this year’s motto: Successfully Educating Kansas Children—It’s Our Business.
Wednesday’s festivities begin with the Early Bird Golf Tournament. You might even see a Western Meadowlark. Or, back by popular demand, you may participate in the 2nd Annual Bowling Tournament. This will be an 8 pin, no-tap tourney (can we still bowl in ballet shoes?), fun a ‘plenty, and prizes too (none of which will be an American Buffalo or a hunting trip with USVP.) Pre-Convention workshops abound -- CIC, dataTeam, MACS, Skyward. The afternoon brings the fabulous Vendor Showcase with a supper buffet guaranteed to fill you with helpful information and great food -- those cooks really feel at "Home on the Range". You’ll soon be “feeling no pain” as your endorphins are released through robust laughter brought on by the ComedyCity show. After drying your eyes with some Cotton, Wood you please dance the night away to the terrific sounds of the Exceptions band.
Thursday’s breakfast and first general session features Cindy Kubica, who will be “Moving Life from Chaos to Clarity” (Maybe we should invite the Kansas State Board of Education and legislators). Cindy will also be presenting an afternoon sectional, “Life Happens—Run With It.”
You’ll definitely need some clarity as Dale and Veryl update us legislatively. ASBO representative, Erin Gauthier-Green joins us for lunch and will also be presenting an “Ergonomics” sectional for those of you bent out of shape. After the very business-like KASBO business meeting, the Professional Development Committee has been hard at work to once again bring us a vast array of educational sectionals from which to choose. Thursday evening brings meeting and greeting in the hospitality rooms where you might try a barred Tiger Salamander followed by the evening banquet as beautiful as an Ornate Box Turtle. Then Kansas March down to the dance with the Eagle Sound Company until Ad Astra Per Aspera.
After an “on your own” breakfast on Friday (try the Native Sunflower Omelet), Track Chats and a third round of great sectionals fill the morning until the closing luncheon featuring "The Work Lady," comedienne Jan McInnis. Jan will send us on our way enlightened with laughter.
Honey, Bee sure to attend the 42 nd Annual KASBO Convention in our state’s capitol of Topeka on April 19-21, 2006. See you there…
(You didn’t know there would be a test: Can you find our state’s motto, nickname, tree, flower, bird, animal, insect, reptile, amphibian, march and song in the above information?)
Submitted by Michele Martens
Convention Committee Member
USD 313 Buhler