March, 2007
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Kathleen Whitley
KASBO Past President
USD 457 Garden City
Kathleen Whitley has been the Financial Officer for the Garden City Public Schools and a KASBO member since 1988. Prior to that, she worked for a public accounting firm in Garden City for 12 years. She has gained valuable knowledge and good friendships through KASBO and can’t imagine being in her current job without the support she receives from the organization.
Kathleen grew up in Oberlin, Kansas and received her masters degree from Fort Hays State University in 1975. Her husband, Mark, manages residential and office rental property. They have two sons and one daughter, ages 20 through 25, plus a very spoiled Vizsla named Katie. In her spare time, Kathleen loves to read and watch college football (especially those Wildcats!).
Shirley Martin
KASBO Treasurer
USD 450 Shawnee Heights
Shirley has been Assistant to the Superintendent for Business and Board Clerk for Shawnee Heights USD 450 since August 1993. Prior to that time she worked for Topeka Public Schools for twelve years. At the time she left USD 501, she was the General Director of Fiscal Service, having started as an accountant for the district. Shirley has a bachelors of business administration with a major in accounting and a masters of business administration from Washburn University in Topeka. Shirley attended her first KASBO meeting in Lawrence in 1982. She has served as the Treasurer since July 1996.
Shirley and her husband, Jim, have two children that attend Kansas University and two very spoiled miniature dachshunds.
Clifford Burk
KASBO President Elect
USD 453 Leavenworth
Clifford Burk, is the Director of Buildings and Grounds for Leavenworth Public Schools. Clifford has been active in KASBO as a presenter, presider, kept registration (before we had an executive director) and now an officer since 1985. Clifford has been with the Leavenworth Public Schools since August of 1984 and started in the business in August of 1981.
He was an officer in the Kansas Association of Directors of Plant Facilities from 1987 through 2005 and the current Secretary / Treasurer f or the Midwest Energy Managers Organization. He has published articles in the American School and University magazine.
Clifford raised three children, Rusty – 29, Brian – 27 and Jeff – 24. Four Grandchildren, Britini - 6, Cole - 3, Brayden - 1 and Wyatt – one month. He was a School Board Member for USD # 339 Jefferson County North for 11-1/2 years. Clifford was a coach and part time director of the Winchester baseball/softball association for 10 years, co-started Project Graduation for USD # 339 seniors and started the adopt a highway project in Winchester.
Clifford’s hobbies include running , triathlons, mountain biking, mountain hiking, road biking, swimming, golf, tennis, ping pong, shooting pool and lifting weights. He also likes to relax with woodworking, welding and refinishing old furniture and spends most evenings reading and working suduko puzzles. Clifford loves to cook and entertain with family and friends and enjoys listening to live bands and dancing.
February 21, 2007 was a day like no other. Little did we know that what began as a beautiful late winter day…would end that way too! KASBO Board of Directors met in Salina to continue their efforts to make KASBO the best educational organization in the state.
The meeting was ripe with anticipation for the following day’s Winter Workshop.
The Professional Development committee had worked hard to make sure the workshop would provide KASBO members with an exceptional event. We even provide you with information you weren’t even aware you wanted.
Last year, the Board created the KABSO Mentoring Program to connect new school district business staff with an experienced veteran filled with information and knowledge. If you are a “newbie” to school business and would like to apply to be connected with a mentor, contact Karen Schadel via fax at (620) 525-6368 or kschadel@gbta.net for a application form. There are a plethora of seasoned veterans standing by just waiting to help you.
Just so you’ll know, the Board doesn’t rest on past successes and laurels. This year, the Board plans to initiate a strategic development plan for KASBO to better meet the needs of our members and strengthen our organization. We want to keep getting better in our efforts to serve you who work tirelessly to provide an education for every child throughout Kansas schools.
You might say KABSO’s mission is to strengthen educational programs by enhancing support operations of Kansas educational institutions through quality in-service programs, networking opportunities and promoting positive legislation (really… if you don’t believe me, look at the website www.kasbo.org.)
With this goal in mind, the Board endeavored to finalize plans for the upcoming April 18-20, 2007 KASBO Convention in Great Bend. No effort will be spared to provide attendees with opportunities to learn, experience, grow and connect. And the Board listens to you, its members. Every evaluation from previous workshops has been meticulously scrutinized for suggestions of possible
in-services and sectional meetings. Along with these educational offerings, the convention will provide uplifting motivational speakers, the chance to meet and greet our great vendors, casino night fun, a great dance band…a good time for all!
Globally speaking, cheap drugs aren’t the only reason to go to Canada. Some of the Board had just returned from the ASBO Leadership Conference in Toronto, and reports that it is the perfect place for the October 12-15, 2007 ASBO International Annual Convention, the premium event for school business officials in North America. If you are interested in attending, let Karen Schadel know ASAP for room availability.
See you in Great Bend!
Michele Martens, Buhler USD 313
KASBO Secretary
Greetings from the Great White North “ayeh”! What a great time we had in Toronto checking out the convention hotels and surrounding city. For all those adventuresome spirits you will not be disappointed. I have to admit, though I’m from rural America, the excitement of the city really gets in my blood. My room came with a view of Lake Ontario so the mornings started out right!
First, the hotel, the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, is a historic landmark in the heart of Toronto. Built back in the 1930’s you will find the older character and charm with lots of room to meet and relax. The hotel is built on top of “The Path”, an underground walking path that leads to an incredible amount of shops, restaurants, the subway, and back up the street-level areas. At twenty-seven kilometers (16.8 miles) you will have no problem finding places to spend your American dollars. By the way, the dollar is strong in Canada and you can regain your sales tax by filling out a form.
Second, we will only be a few short blocks, city style, from the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Between the two are more shops and restaurants. One thing you will notice is the large amount of Canadians that live downtown Toronto. The streets are considered the safest around and we found the sites to be spectacular. Also, the weather is supposed to be super in October, not what you might expect. You need to experience this city!
Finally, the conference contains the unique opportunities to meet and network with clerks and business school leaders from all over the world. Our group started out our journey getting to know Americans, Canadians and a gentleman from England who is leading a video conference between the UK, the US and South Africa. Globalization is taking place, even in school business, and we can be a part of it. See you in Toronto, ayeh!
Todd Stephenson
USD 313 Buhler