Participants will be introduced to the full suite of ASBO resources including professional development opportunities, certification and CTLE tracking, online platforms, and statewide support networks. Attendees will walk away with a toolkit of links, contacts, and learning resources.

Learning Objectives:

• Navigate ASBO’s website and key professional development offerings
• Understand requirements for CPE and CTLE and how to track hours
• Access important documents, templates, and peer support channels

This session will provide an introduction to building long-term financial plans. Participants will explore how to look beyond the current budget cycle and begin aligning district needs, future capital investments, and state aid expectations into a sustainable multi-year plan.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the purpose and value of long-range financial planning
• Identify key drivers of district revenue and expenditures over time
• Learn tools to begin drafting a multi-year financial outlook

Michael Vespi, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Pittsford CSD

This session will provide an overview of New York State’s state aid system. Participants will learn how the foundational aid formulas work, how their district’s data impacts the aid they receive, and how policy changes or enrollment trends may affect future allocations.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how Foundation Aid and other major aid categories are calculated
• Learn how district-specific data is used in aid formulas
• Identify the most important aid-related reports and deadlines

Mike Los, Senior State Aid Specialist, Questar III BOCES

This session will walk participants through the annual state aid calendar. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the deadlines, reporting periods, and planning steps that align with the budget cycle and aid filings.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how to align internal planning with the state aid reporting calendar
• Identify key filing deadlines and associated data inputs
• Understand how timing impacts state aid projections and cash flow

Kathy Beardsley, State Aid Specialist, Questar III BOCES

This session is designed to help new SBOs reflect on their individual learning needs and plan for professional growth. Participants will map out their first two years, identify areas for development, and build a personalized learning plan using ASBO and other resources.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify personal skill gaps and growth areas as a new SBO
• Create a professional development plan learning plan using ASBO and other tools
• Set milestones for your first and second year in the role 

Brian Freeman, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Webster CSD

This session will demystify the major tasks associated with submitting, presenting, and managing the annual school budget. From pre-vote preparation to post-adoption filings, participants will gain a clear roadmap of responsibilities and timelines.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the full budget development and submission process
• Learn timelines and requirements for board approval and public vote
• Explore follow-up reporting and transparency requirements after adoption

Jacqlene McAllister, Assistant Superintendent for Management Services and Strategic Planning, South Colonie CSD
Sarah Morrison, Senior State Aid Planner, State Aid Planning/Questar III BOCES

This session will help participants understand the ins and outs of fund balance—what it is, how it’s used, and how to plan for it responsibly. Attendees will explore the role of appropriated fund balance in budget development and long-term fiscal health.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand different types of fund balance and their purposes
• Learn how to use appropriated fund balance as a budgeting tool
• Identify best practices for monitoring and communicating fund balance levels

Richard Cunningham (Retired SBO), President, Driftwind Consulting

This session will review the key regulations and responsibilities associated with pupil transportation. Participants will learn about NYSED requirements, safety expectations, and financial considerations related to managing a district’s transportation program.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the SBO’s responsibilities in overseeing transportation operations
• Learn about transportation reporting, aid, and cost drivers
• Review key safety and compliance requirements for school districts

David Elliott, Coordinator of Educational Aid Services, NYSED

Participants will receive a practical overview of the Office of Facilities Planning and the processes involved in capital construction projects. Topics will include required surveys, permitting, building aid, and best practices for managing projects in partnership with architects and SED.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the steps involved in submitting and receiving approval for capital projects
• Learn the types of surveys and reports required for facilities planning
• Identify how building aid is calculated and common compliance requirements

Sara Madison, RA, Coordinator, NYSED, Office of Facilities Planning

This session will introduce the fundamentals of managing capital projects. Participants will learn what a capital project is, how the process works from start to finish, and what role the SBO plays in ensuring compliance, funding, and communication throughout the project timeline.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand what qualifies as a capital project and how projects are initiated
• Learn the basics of funding, approvals, and communication for capital work
• Identify common pitfalls and how to avoid them as a new SBO

Jason Schwartz, CPA, President, BPD Municipal Finance

Robert Yusko, SFO, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Saratoga Springs City SD

School nutrition programs are unique in that they operate with financial independence. This session explores the fundamentals of food service management, including financial metrics, program regulations, and how SBOs can support a successful, student-centered meal program.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the financial structure of school meal programs
• Learn about federal and state compliance requirements for food service
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and student participation

Sarah Keen, Food Service Director, Schuylerville CSD

Megan Bates, Operations Manager of Shared Food Services Program, Capital Region BOCES 

This session will review the central office’s role in ensuring a safe and secure school environment. Participants will explore crisis planning, communication strategies, and the SBO’s role in supporting building-level efforts in collaboration with community partners.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the components of a district-wide safety and crisis plan
• Learn how the SBO contributes to safety protocols and budgeting
• Identify communication strategies and “dos and don’ts” during a crisis

Michele Shahen, Program Research Specialist, NYSED