SupportCon Sessions

Friday, December 1, 2023


7:30am - 8:00am | Registration and Refreshments


8:00am - 8:15am | Welcome


8:15am - 9:15am | Keynote Session

Invest in Yourself. Ignite Others.
David will discuss the role that self-care plays in our ability to effectively contribute to and lead teams. Whether you are dealing with the stress of work or life in general, David will use some of his own experiences to guide the conversation. He will also share some strategies and techniques that can help reduce stress, increase happiness and improve our own performance so that by investing in ourselves, we can ignite others around us toward ongoing success.
Keynote Speaker:
David Bein, Ph.D., SFO | Asst. Supt./Business, CSBO | Barrington CUSD 220 


9:25am - 10:25am | Breakout Sessions

Bidding & Contracting: From the Basics to New Legislation

Learn the essentials of putting together bids and contracts. Topics include legal requirements, specifications, addenda and legislative updates as well as handling contested bids and other possible complications. Download Presentation

Speakers:
Nicole Kennedy Purchasing Manager, Comm. Unit Sch. Dist. 300
Howard Metz Partner, Robbins, Schwartz, Nicholas, Lifton & Taylor, Ltd.

How Can I help? Strong Communication Strategies for Individual and Team Success

Effective communication helps school communities thrive. This session will underscore the importance of strong communication strategies for individual development as well as for the success of their team or department. 

Speakers:
Cassidy Tarpey Account Executive, Bear Construction Company
Paul Troy Chief Operating Office/Treasurer, Northern Kane Educational Corp.

Ransomware, Phishing & Cyberattacks

Learn how to guard against ransomware, avoid phishing and prevent cybersecurity attacks. Participants will get practical tips on how to protect themselves & their district's assets. Download Presentation

Speaker:
Craig Williams Dir,./Infrastructure Consulting Svs., ClientFirst Consulting

Working Effectively with Your Boss

The working relationship you have with your boss is important, not only because it affects you personally – work performance and mental health – but also because the quality of that relationship often impacts the overall productivity of your department and your organization. This session will focus on helping you better understand, communicate more effectively and work more collaboratively with your boss to make your daily experiences in the office a little more bearable, a bit more pleasant and maybe even more rewarding for you. Download Presentation

Speaker:
Craig Collins Statewide Professional Development Coordinator, Illinois ASBO


10:40am - 11:40am | Breakout Sessions

FOIA Overview

Overview of current FOIA issues, the "how to" respond, including an overview of confidentiality laws to be considered before releasing documents under the FOIA. Download Presentation

Speaker:
Steven M. Richart Partner, Hodges, Loizzi, Eisenhammer, Rodick & Kohn LLP

DEI in Customer Service: Addressing Microaggressions and Personal Biases

As the district's front line, you have a vital role in supporting and exemplifying Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Learn how you can better serve district employees, parents, students and other community members by discussing how microaggressions and personal biases can perpetuate a welcoming, equitable and collaborative business office culture. Download Presentation

Speakers:
Ana Ochoa Assistant Superintendent/CSBO, Burbank SD 111
Ray Toliver Chief School Business Official, Carbondale CHSD 165

How to Deal with Difficult People/Relationships

The school environment is ever-changing and extremely busy. Imagine the setup of a bustling Broadway theater. Each production (day) could provide a different design on the set (distraction/emergency), new actors (people/perspectives) and audiences (community, vendors, shareholders). To keep the school business office "production" moving smoothly, each district must find a way to navigate through the uncertainty and difficulties. People are the main ingredient to any district's success; yet there will be people along the way who are difficult to deal with. This session will provide you with a better understanding of how to navigate your relationships with difficult people.

Speakers:
John Benedetti Asst. Supt./Business Services, CSBO, Comm. Cons. Sch. Dist. 93
Susan Bertrand Business Development Specialist, DLA Architects, Ltd.
Joseph Rojek. Ed.D. Asst. Supt./Finance, Argo CHSD 217

What Happens in the Business Office

Come learn about the ins and outs of a school business office! Download Presentation

Speakers:
Robyn Cornelissen Comptroller, Comm. Unit Sch. Dist. 300
Amy Curtin Business Manager, Glen Ellyn SD 41


11:40am - 1:15pm | Lunch & Roundtable Networking


1:20pm - 2:20pm | Breakout Sessions

Essentials of the School HR Office

Join us as we delve into the fundamental aspects of the Human Resource role. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in HR, this session will equip you with essential knowledge and skills to excel in your role. You will be guided through the critical responsibilities of HR administrators and the core functions of the office. You will also gain a comprehensive understanding of the standards that administrators must be well-versed in for effective human resource management and operational procedures.

Speaker:
Lindsay Jonas Dir,/Professional Development, Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators

The Nuts & Bolts of the Illinois Pension System

Want to learn more about the TRS & IMRF and the different tiers? Come join us! Download Presentation

Speakers:
Jennifer Akin Business Office & Payroll Supervisor, Hawthorn CCSD 73
Albert Lerman Regional Representative, Horace Mann Insurance Company

p-Card Purchasing

Basics of p-Card (credit card) implementation, manuals, agreements, tips & traps. Download Presentation

Speaker:
Ivy Fleming Asst. Supt./Finance & Operations, Fremont SD 7
Nicole Hansen Assistant Director of Business Services, Twp. High Sch. Dist. 214


2:30pm - 3:30pm | Breakout Sessions

Rising CSBO Information Session

Looking to continue your education to achieve your career goals? NIU College of Education will provide an overview of the CSBO program including curriculum and tuition information. Then hear personal stories from a panel of Illinois ASBO members who have completed the CSBO program where you will have the opportunity to ask them questions about their experiences.

Speaker:
Julie-Ann Fuchs Associate Superintendent, Kaneland CUSD 302
Raoul J. Gravel, III, Ed.D. Associate Superintendent, Glenbrook HSD 225

Managing Your p-Card Program

Is your district part of the Illinois ASBO p-Card program? Join this interactive session to review best practices, the online management tool and spend dynamics. Please bring your questions and get ready to receive answers!
Speaker:

Holly Wallace Senior Manager of Member Programs, Illinois ASBO

Opening the Black Box of Medicaid

Unlock the mysteries of Medicaid reimbursement with this engaging session. Learn about best practices in managing fee for service & administrative outreach portions of this program. Download Presentation
Speakers:

Mark Altmayer CFO, Treasurer, Huntley CSD 158
Melissa Geyman Sell Chief Financial Officer, Harvard CUSD 50