Unscripted Sessions


Join us for Unscripted: Real Conversations on the Hottest Topics in School Business
on Thursday, April 30 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the Ballroom.

Earn credit while you join roundtable discussions of your choice and learn from subject matter experts during this session.

Increased electricity costs are eating up more of a districts operating budget than ever. This roundtable will help you understand going on and why it’s happening. We will also give you concrete steps to reduce future electricity costs, stabilize energy budgets and keep more dollars in your classrooms.


Ask the Accounting Expert
Accounting

An auditor and CSBO will be available to answer all of your auditing and accounting questions.
Ask Me Anything: Cash and Investments
Cash Debt & Investment Management 

Do you have questions about your investment policy or managing your cash flow and overall investment program? Come discuss these critical processes with an SEC-registered investment advisor. 

Social Media Strategies for Tomorrow's School Business Office
Communication and Community Engagement

Explore how social media is reshaping school business communication. This session offers forward-thinking strategies to engage stakeholders, boost transparency and elevate your office’s digital presence.

Leading Through Vulnerability 
Leadership
Join an open discussion about leading through curiosity using an open mind and open heart. We will explore principals from Brene Brown, Adam Grant and other leadership driven psychologists. 

What's Hot at the Bargaining Table?
Legal Issues
Discover what topics were raised during recent negotiations and get your burning bargaining questions answered. 

What I Wish I Knew Before Construction
Planning and Construction
Join the discussion as two CSBO's speak about their learning experiences with construction projects. What's in the budget, who is responsible for problems and more will be explored.

Help! I'm a First Year CSBO
Principals of School Finance
Talk with us about the CSBO career journey. Ask the questions that will help move you forward.


Bidding and RFP Pitfalls
Purchasing
Discuss your RFP and bidding experiences. Receive guidance on the variety of issues that can come up during your solicitation process. 

AI for School Business and Operations
Technology
Debate and discuss real-life case studies, hidden risks and the strategic opportunities shaping how districts manage AI today.

Hot Topics in Food Service
Food Service
Come and chat with us about the latest hot topics, trends and issues in Food Service.


Hot Topics in State and Federal Legislation
Public Policy
Discuss current concerns in this year's 104th General Assembly. Explore both local and state concerns as well as how Illinois is being affected by Federal decisions. 

You Are Hired as the New CSBO! Now What?
Principles of School Finance
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.
Impactful Legislation from the 104th Session of the General Assembly
Public Policy
As the first session of the 104th General Assembly comes to a close, there are several pieces of legislation that will significantly impact public education. Come learn more about what those are and how they might impact your school district.

How to Budget Federal and Categorical Funding for Fiscal Year 2027
Budgeting 
Details Coming Soon

Don't Say the "M" Word: How to Respond When Finding Mold
Maintenance & Operations
All buildings are subject to the risk of mold growth at some point in their lifespan. When you suspect mold is present, the last thing you want is perceptions to outgrow the risks associated with mold exposure. Learn about mold, its potential health effects and how to take steps to prevent a small mold issue from becoming an expensive environmental problem affecting your budgets, your students, your teachers and your school.   

What's Behind the Numbers: Breaking Down Your District's Utility Bills
Maintenance & Operations

Increased electricity costs are eating up more of a districts operating budget than ever. This roundtable will help you understand going on and why it’s happening. We will also give you concrete steps to reduce future electricity costs, stabilize energy budgets and keep more dollars in your classrooms.