Breakout Sessions


Conference Events  |  Solutions Marketplace  |  Hotel & Travel  |  Resources

Connect to Sessions that Advance Your Profession

Illinois ASBO professional development committees are working hard to create relevant sessions that cater to your specific needs as a school business professional.
Earn up to 10 PD Clock hours at this year's conference.

Wednesday Sessions

8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Opening the Black Box of Special Education Join a crash course on special education for the CSBO/CFO. Learn what you need to know to maximize revenues, control costs and build stronger relationships with your special education department to enable to student success. PDC: Special Education
GASB Update There are several new requirements coming soon from the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). Learn all about these updates and how you can prepare for their impending implementation.
PDC: Accouting
The Payables Paradox: Balancing Efficiency With Fraud Prevention Details Coming Soon.
PDC: Cash Management 
Understanding the Legal Impacts of Section 4 of PRESS's Policy Manual Many provisions in Section 4 of PRESS are required by law. Some statutes are surprisingly detailed, and others open-ended. This session will focus on key provisions in Section 4 of PRESS that affect the budget, levy, purchasing, audit, accounting and other functions, as well as their legal underpinnings. 
PDC: Legal Issues
Replacing a Custodial Vendor Prior to Contract End or in the Middle of the Year Batavia School District 101 decided to remove the current provider of custodial services mid-year. Learn about the process of maintaining the cleanliness of your district during the transition to a new vendor. Follow this helpful step-by step process for a successful transition.
PDC: Maintenance and Operations
Choosing Wisely: A Referendum Roadmap Join this session to discuss how after 50 years without any major construction projects, our district decided now was the time to build. Learn why they decided to go for a referendum and the successful path taken to get it passed.
PDC: Planning and Construction
Revenues for the Novice Identify local, state and federal funding sources and their historical trends. Learn tax levy basics and other critical factors impacting school district revenue in Illinois.
PDC: Principles of School Finance
Mastering the Complex World of Bidding This session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to successfully navigate the complexities of public bidding, ensuring compliance with both longstanding regulations and new legal requirements. Experts will break down key concepts, offer practical tips, and discuss how recent updates to bidding laws impact your processes. 
PDC: Purchasing



9:10 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.

Navigating School District Finance: Strategies for Forecasting and Cash Flow Management  Join ISBE for a session about monitoring your district’s finances in today’s evolving economy.  Learn how to analyze cash flow trends, forecast accurately and adapt to economic challenges. This presentation offers essential tools and strategies to ensure financial stability and informed decision-making for your school district.
Presented by Illinois ASBO
Navigating the Ever-Changing Landscape of Title IX Due to changes in the Executive Branch over the past four years, schools are faced with the challenge of keeping up with complex and constantly-evolving Title IX regulations. This presentation will provide an overview of Title IX regulations, an update on the current status of the regulations and offer practical tips for remaining in compliance.
PDC: Legal Issues
Considerations When Investing in Today's Interest Rate Environment With interest rates on the move again, join this session to discuss best practices for school districts to invest their fund balances wisely.
PDC: Cash Management
Building Clarity and Trust: Best Practices for Communicating Construction Projects In this interactive presentation, an expert panel of CSBOs and marketing professionals will share best practices for effectively communicating construction projects to stakeholders. Discover tips and tricks that balance transparency and discretion, ensuring all stakeholders remain informed and engaged throughout the project.
PDC: Communications
Retirement Strategies in Public Education Learn what to consider for yourself and your employees prior to retirement. Our panel will walk you through how to successfully plan for your employees' retirement as well as your own. 
PDC: Human Resources
Life Safety 101 Following new legislation, school districts are looking to better understand the Health & Life Safety process and how it fits into the overall capital improvement plan of their facilities. Presenters will share knowledge on Health & Life Safety, including the approval process for Life Safety projects and the impact on funding strategies.
PDC: Planning and Construction
Expenditures for the Novice Learn the basics of school expenditures and financial reporting. Examine the CSBO's role overseeing the expenditure process and reviewing business office operations best practices.
PDC: Principles of School Finance
Digital Footprint & Social Media Checks, Will Your Current Practices Stand? In addition to the required criminal background check, most districts now conduct a web search on candidates before hire. But does your district rely on the technological savvy of individuals to search the web for this information? This session will explore the questions of why, what, when and who surrounding this critical digital step in the hiring process.
PDC: South Central West



10:20 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.

What Happens When the BOE Falls Out of Love With You?   Dr. Sharma-Lewis shares her journey of challenges, setbacks and ultimate comeback, inspiring leaders to focus on their "why." Through her story, participants will learn the power of positivity, professionalism and proactivity. By living your legacy and embracing your best self, you can continually rebuild, rebrand and revitalize your life and career.
Presented by Illinois ASBO
Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity Workshop A session based on true events - explore a real-world data center disaster, working with your team to develop an effective communications plan for the board, administration, faculty, students and parents. Identify potential vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure, learn how to respond to a crisis and discover strategies for maintaining operations even in the most challenging circumstances.
PDC: Technology/Risk Management
Keeping tracking Annual Responsibilities: A CSBO's Monthly Guide to Getting Work Done This session is designed to ensure a CSBO does not miss any one of the multiple deadlines they encounter over the course of a fiscal year.  Building off of Illinois ASBO's Business Task Calendar, the presenters will discuss different methods to approaching key dates as well as how to utilize the entire Business Office.
PDC: Accounting
Chart the Course, Land the Plane Safely — Part 2 In this informative presentation, we'll outline the path forward for school districts as we navigate challenges, leverage opportunities and prioritize student success. Using a strategic approach, we will focus on setting a clear direction, making informed decisions and ensuring a smooth landing in uncertain times. Together, we will plan how to steer our resources to achieve sustainable outcomes and a brighter future for our schools.
PDC: Budgeting
Promoting Equity in Procurement: Leveraging MBE, WBE and DBE Programs  Discover how your school district can champion DEI through its purchasing processes. Learn actionable strategies for identifying diverse suppliers, setting impactful goals and overcoming common barriers. Hear success stories that have transformed districts' procurement practices and see how partnering with diverse businesses can drive community impact, innovation and growth. 
PDC: DEI
Managing Underperforming Contractors and Your Board's Anxieties During Construction The "lowest responsible bidder" does not always end up being the best suited to complete your project, when quality and time are sacrificed. This panel, including a business manager, architect, construction manager and lawyer, shares their expertise and tools for navigating issues of under-performance to help you achieve a better outcome.
PDC: Planning and Construction
You Are Hired as the New CSBO! Now What? Gain a survival guide for transitioning to your new position in your district. Learn what to know, where to get your resources and creating a helpful network group that allows you to be successful. 
PDC: Principles of School Finance
Hot Topics — New Laws and Implementation Be a part of this interactive group discussion on multiple current hot topics in public policy and legislation that will affect school districts and education finance. 
PDC: Public Policy




11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

You Can't Make This Stuff Up: Legal Review Hear from two experienced school lawyers as they discuss the legal highs and lows of the past year. Attendees will also be able to ask questions and get advice on how to respond to legal challenges in their districts. 
PDC: Legal Issues
Maximizing Evidence-Based Funding for English Learners Want to maximize your English Learner Evidence Based Funding allocations? Join ISBE and district leaders to explore best practices for tracking and strategically using state funding for English Learners. Gain actionable insights on effective spending strategies to support student success.
Presented by Illinois ASBO
Accounting for Construction Projects Learn the ins and outs for every step of your construction project. Explore tips and best practices for planning, accounting and reporting.
PDC: Accounting
Preparing for the Unknown: Navigating Challenging Communication Scenarios In this dynamic panel discussion, experienced CSBOs will dive into effective communication strategies designed for practical use within the role. Whether you are navigating budget discussions, collaborating with parents or coordinating with district staff, this session will provide actionable strategies and insights to elevate your communication skills and foster confidence in every interaction.
PDC: Communications
Unlocking the Power of DEI in School Business Operations with Tyronne Stoudemire Join Tyronne Stoudemire, a globally recognized DEI expert and Senior VP at Hyatt, as he shares strategic insights on integrating diversity, equity and inclusion into school business operations. Learn how his transformative approach can enhance organizational performance, build stronger networks and create a more inclusive environment within your district’s financial and operational processes.
PDC: DEI
An Operations Department Guide to Reporting to Your School Board How do you efficiently and effectively communicate with your school board as a member of the operations department? Whether you are reviewing construction projects, preventive maintenance or day-to-day tasks, learn strategies to help you be successful.
PDC: Maintenance and Operations
Making Health Life Safety Legislation Work for You Learn how to effectively leverage new legislation to secure funding for your school district's health and life safety needs. This session will provide a pathway on navigating the law's provisions, identifying funding opportunities and implementing strategies to ensure your district maximizes the benefits of the new law for essential health and safety improvements. 
PDC: Public Policy
14 Leadership Traits to Help You Lead Your Life Leadership traits are behaviors and habits that inspire others to work toward a shared goal. To guide their decisions and motivate others effectively, leaders in the U.S. Marine Corps adhere to a list of 14 leadership traits. Join us to learn the leadership traits and become a stronger leader in your life.
PDC: Leadership

Thursday Sessions

8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Facilities Professionals Information Session Join your peers in mapping the path for future professional development in facilities operations. Gain information on the available courses and opportunities for your growth. Whether you are an 'old timer' or part of the next generation of school facility managers, everyone can learn and benefit from each other's experiences. 
Presented by Illinois ASBO
Navigating the Conversation: Anticipating Questions from Stakeholders in Construction Projects This session equips construction professionals with strategies to anticipate and address stakeholder questions. From administrators to neighbors, this guide tackles the complexities of maintenance projects, heavy renovations and site logistics. Empower your team to foster transparent communication, mitigate concerns and ensure smooth project progression by understanding diverse stakeholder perspectives.
PDC: Planning and Construction
Avoiding a Start of the Year Nightmare in Transportation This round-table discussion will focus on everything involved in successful transportation planning, beginning with the start of student registration through the first few weeks of school. Be ready to share both your headaches and successful experiences with the group.
PDC: Transportation



9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Other Duties as Assigned Presenters will discuss tasks and duties that CSBOs are sometimes responsible for, but were never covered in school finance classes. Examples include: unclaimed property, check fraud prevention, the mysterious world of special education, transportation and HR issues.  With Illinois ASBO members working in districts of all sizes, there is no "standard" of who is responsible for what.
PDC: Accounting
Show Me the Data! Take part in this panel presentation discussing how districts have leveraged peer-to-peer company financial projections to make data driven decisions.
PDC: Budgeting
The World of GLP-1 Learn about GLP-1 medications and how they are impacting your district's prescription usage and overall medical costs.
PDC: Human Resources
Navigating the Maze: Understanding District Funds vs. Student Activities vs. 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profits Do you break out in a cold sweat every time someone asks what is the difference between district funds, student activities and your parent organizations/foundations? This session will break down the legal distinctions between these areas, with a focus on effective legal, financial, and risk management strategies. Learn the best practices to support your community while safeguarding your district. 
PDC: Legal Issues
The Importance of Custodial Services in Schools This presentation highlights the critical importance of custodial services in maintaining a clean, safe and efficient learning environment. Explore how custodial staff directly impact student health, safety and success, while contributing to the long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness of school facilities. From routine maintenance to emergency response, custodians are vital to the overall functioning of the school district.
PDC: Maintenance and Operations
The Health and Wellness of the Facility Professional Explore the challenges of balancing work and life as a facilities professional, emphasizing the importance of self-care amid constant ongoing demands. Learn how to leverage your personal strengths to manage stress, maintain personal well-being, and sustain long-term success in your role.
PDC: Planning and Construction
Special Education Funding and IDEA Grant Guidance Gain insight and understanding on special education finance to maximize support and resources for students with special needs. Learn about revenue sources, regulations on special education spending and reporting. Presenters will also share helpful guidance on IDEA Grants.
PDC: Special Education
How to Maximize Your Transportation Claim Identify opportunities to increase your transportation claims by uncovering areas you may be missing. Learn strategies to ensure you are claiming all eligible reimbursements and avoiding common pitfalls. Discover best practices for maximizing transportation funding and ensuring your district is getting every dollar it is entitled to.
PDC: Transportation



2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Bonds: Back to the Basics & Exciting New Legislation Learn about the various borrowing alternatives for school districts, including reporting requirements and a look at some game-changing new legislation for borrowing here in Illinois.
PDC: Cash Management
Managing the Bus Driver Shortage: Recruiting & Retention Solutions We all know recruiting and retaining good bus drivers is hard. This session will allow for both presenters and participants to share their solutions to recruiting and retaining bus drivers in an engaging dialogue. 
PDC: Human Resources
TRS & TRS SSP Update This session will provide an update on the Teachers' Retirement System of Illinois (TRS). The session will overview of the state of the System, provide an update on the TRS Supplement Savings Plan (SSP) and highlight the Gemini pay period reporting. Develop a deeper understanding of your partnership with TRS, how to access the resources available to your district and provide your feedback on what is important to you.
Presented by Illinois ASBO
Leading an Efficient Business Office Unsure what requires board approval versus what can be handled administratively? Curious about best practices for routine tasks, postings and notices? This session will provide essential tools and insights for both new and experienced SBOs, helping you lead your department with confidence, efficiency and ease.
PDC: Leadership
Retirement Readiness: Understanding Local and National Legislation Impacting Educators Join this legislative update focusing on how national and local retirement bills could affect your district. Learn about the importance of ensuring that your teachers are educated about their pension, 403(b) and 457 plans as well as legislation that could change how they are educated about their retirement needs.
PDC: Legal Issues
How to Recover From a Catastrophic Building Failure When faced with major damage to one of your facilities, such as frozen pipes or significant water damage, the response plan needs to be structured, comprehensive and proactive to mitigate further damage and ensure a smooth recovery. Join this session to create your plan and minimize disaster. 
PDC: Planning and Construction
Driving Home Incentives for EV Buses & Charging Stations ISBE is joined by CSBOs from several local school districts to simplify the complexities surrounding electric busses and charging stations for public schools in Illinois. We will also explore actionable ways to access local, state and federal incentives to help bring EV busses to your schools' garages. 
PDC: Public Policy
Overcoming the SHOCK of Higher Energy Bills Energy costs are becoming more unpredictable as demand outpaces supply when extreme weather occurs. Learn how to plan for, and more importantly, insulate yourself from, these cost increases with measures such as competitive auctions for procurement, revenue generation programs and renewable energy programs. 
PDC: Sustainability and Environmental Health



4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Preparing for Contract Negotiations: Strategies, Market Data and Current Trends Gain valuable insights into school district contract negotiations from experienced CSBOs and bargaining legal counsel. Learn effective preparation strategies and stay informed about the latest legal trends impacting negotiations.
PDC: Legal Issues
Mechanical Equipment: Life Expectancy and Planning for Replacement or Refurbishment Join us for a discussion of the different mechanical systems in schools and proper maintenance for them. Dive into topics such as life expectancy and planning for system replacement or refurbishment.
PDC: Maintenance and Operations
Permitting Processes and Authorities Having Jurisdiction Join this overview of the agencies school districts may need to submit permits to for construction projects, based on project scope. This session will cover general timeline guidelines for review processes and their potential impact on your construction project schedule. 
PDC: Planning and Construction
Tier II: Where Are We? Where Will We Go Next? Receive a comprehensive update on potential Tier II reforms to our public pension system, with an emphasis on the potential implications of these changes. These issues must be addressed before we lose our Social Security safe harbor designation.
PDC: Public Policy
Emergency Preparedness: Current Requirements and Future Guidance Take a look at the critical steps school districts must make to prepare for emergencies, ensuring compliance with current regulations, while anticipating future requirements. Attendees will cover best practices for emergency planning, from developing response protocols to conducting drills, and explore how upcoming legislative changes may affect district preparedness. 
PDC: Risk Management
My Stupid Mouth — Are You Stifling Your Staff's Voices? As managers, we should strive for an engaged staff who have the confidence to provide their opinions. Often, we unintentionally stifle their voices. Using John Mayer’s song “My Stupid Mouth,” we will help you reflect on how your actions may be impacting your staff’s voice now and in the future.
PDC: South Central West
The Inflation Reduction Act: Turning Green Energy Systems into Cash The Inflation Reduction Act brought sizeable incentives to energy-related projects in public schools, helping drive down project costs. Attendees will learn how to monetize these incentives to help offset their investment in green energy initiatives such as on-site solar. Attendees will also gain an understanding of the complexities involved with filing for these incentives.
PDC: Sustainability and Environmental Health
Charting the Road to School Bus Electrification Learn how to choose the right ownership model, maximize incentives and make smart investments now for the future potential of "Vehicle to Grid" technology. Presenters will cover all the critical considerations for a successful transition, ensuring your district is well-equipped to embrace a sustainable and cost-effective future for school transportation. 
PDC: Transportation


Friday Sessions

8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

The Miller Ratio and Fund Balance Considerations This session will break down the Reserve Reduction Plan Public Act and the Miller Ratio, providing clarity on their calculations and applications. Hear from Michael Frances, CFO/CSBO of Naperville CUSD 203, alongside experienced attorneys who regularly defend against tax rate objections. Learn strategies to improve communication about your reserve funds, minimize objections and ensure transparency. Gain practical insights on when and how to use these financial methods effectively in public discussions.
PDC: Budgeting
FMLA 101 & 201 Learn about the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) at a high level and then dig into more in depth aspects later on in this presentation.
PDC: Human Resources
Updates on Vision 2030 Vision 2030 launched on October 18, 2023, with enthusiasm from education leaders across the state of Illinois. Designed to create a unified advocacy framework for public education in Illinois, the program brings together IASA, Illinois ASBO and other state partners as one. Attend this session to hear key updates and the outlook for the future.  
Presented by Illinois ASBO
Kicking Univents to the Curb: Creating Modern Learning Environments Students spend much of their school day in classrooms. Learn how creating modern learning environments includes healthy, comfortable and energy-efficient solutions. Presenters will share three big ideas to improve your district’s bottom line and create healthy, comfortable and high-performance classrooms utilizing displacement ventilation, circadian lighting and chemical free sanitation.
PDC: Sustainability and Environmental Health



9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Hot Topics in Bond Financing Learn about emerging topics in the world of school finance, including an in-depth look at the health/life/safety borrowing process and key items to consider when planning a bond referendum.
PDC: Cash Management
Innovative Energy Solutions   Find out how the Illinois Energy Consortium can help YOU future proof your district by integrating energy assets, accessing innovative funding models and cleaning up your district's emissions profile. 
Presented by Illinois ASBO
Illinois ASBO Legislative Update  Hear from Illinois ASBO's legislative expert, Emily Warnecke, as she provides the most up-to-date information about the 104th General Session as well as hot topics impacting education in Springfield. 
PDC: Public Policy
Learning to Flex Your Contract Muscles Take a deep dive into the art of negotiating commercial contracts with a focus on safeguarding your district’s interests. This session will cover key strategies for structuring contracts, identifying potential risks, and securing favorable terms to protect your district’s financial and legal well-being.
PDC: Purchasing