Regional Conferences — Bloomington Sessions

Thank you to the Illinois ASBO South Central West Professional Development Committee
for their work on developing this conference.

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. | Registration and Refreshments

8:15 a.m. to 8:35 a.m. | Welcome & Opening

8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Sessions

Explore how recent legislation has expanded borrowing opportunities—and how these options can support your district’s budget. Learn strategies for managing fund balances and keeping capital projects on track, all while maintaining a balanced budget. Download Presentation

Speakers:
Anne Noble Managing Director, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company
Mary Ann Schloz Chief Financial Officer, Urbana School District 116

Onboarding paperwork is just the beginning. This session explores how HR professionals can deepen engagement with employees beyond the first day. Discover strategies to create meaningful touchpoints and cultivate traditions that help employees feel valued throughout their journey. Download Presentation

Speaker:
David Bruno Assistant Superintendent/Human Resources, Glen Ellyn School District 41

Do you break into a cold sweat when asked about the differences between district funds, student activity accounts and parent organizations or foundations? This session will clarify the legal distinctions and explore effective strategies for financial oversight, legal compliance and risk management. Learn best practices to support your school community—while protecting your district. Download Presentation

Speaker:
Linda Matkowski Chief Financial Officer, Champaign Community Unit School District 4

9:55 a.m. to 10:55 a.m. Sessions

Gain practical strategies for leading with confidence during high-pressure board meetings and community forums. Gain tools to de-escalate tension, communicate financial decisions clearly and transform challenging conversations into opportunities for transparency and leadership. Download Presentation

Speakers:
Emily Spindler Principal, FGM Architects
Ray Tolliver, Jr. Chief School Business Official, Carbondale Community High School District 165

Get the latest updates from the Teachers' Retirement System of Illinois (TRS), including an overview of the System’s current status, the TRS Supplemental Savings Plan (SSP) and Gemini pay period reporting. This session will help you strengthen your district’s partnership with TRS and share feedback on what matters most to you. Download Presentation

Speaker:
Nicholas Stabler Outreach Coordinator, Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS)

Reference checks should not be a checkbox—they are a powerful tool for smarter hiring. Join an expert in educational leadership and HR, to learn how to gather deeper insights into a candidate’s past performance and reliability. Download Presentation

Speaker:
Dale Fisher President, Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators (IASPA)

11:05 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. Sessions

Join our expert panel as they explore current trends and market conditions in Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance, highlighting key program differences. The session will also cover self-funded health insurance, focusing on sustainability and strategies to mitigate associated risks. Download Presentation

Speakers:
Debra Kieser, CIC Commercial Sales Executive, USI Insurance Services
Linda Matkowski Chief Financial Officer, Champaign Community Unit School District 4
Scott Shouse Senior Vice President/Employee Benefits, Assured Partners
Ray Toliver, Jr. Chief School Business Official, Carbondale Community High School District 165

Learn how to uncover missed opportunities and ensure your district is claiming all eligible transportation reimbursements. This session will cover proven strategies and best practices to help you secure every dollar your district deserves. Download Presentation

Speaker:
Jim Lovelace President, Transportation and Residency Specialists, LLC
Seth Hill Dir./Transportation, New Berlin CUSD #16

From passive-aggressive sticky notes to full-on Dwight energy, navigating difficult personalities can feel like life at Dunder Mifflin. In this fun and practical session, you will learn how to manage challenging behaviors using tools like Habit 5, “I” messages and empathic listening. Walk away with strategies to survive breakroom drama. Download Presentation

Speaker:
Lindsay Jonas Director/Professional Development, IL Association of School Personnel Administrators (IASPA)

12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. | Lunch

12:50 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Sessions

Join ISBE for a timely session focused on managing your district’s finances in a shifting economic landscape. Learn how to track cash flow trends and respond to economic challenges with confidence, with practical tools and strategies to improve decision-making in your district. Download Presentation

Speaker:
Julie Harrelson School Business Services Supervisor, Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)

In school business, the pressure is constant—and some of the hardest parts are the things we don’t say out loud. This interactive session creates a safe, anonymous space to release those unspoken thoughts and emotions that build up over time. Through shared experience from school administrators like you and in districts like yours, you’ll leave feeling lighter and be reminded that you’re not alone in the challenges you face. Download Presentation

Speakers:
Jan Bush Business Manager, Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186
Mike Curry Chief Operations Officer, Decatur School District 61
Ed Fletcher Superintendent, Monmouth Roseville SD 238
Frank Williams, Ed. D. Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer, Chief School Business Official, Community Unit School District 300

In a competitive job market, preparation is everything. Explore emerging employee benefits trends through the lens of today’s real-world challenges. Gain insights into boosting wellness program participation, improving employee engagement and supporting retirement readiness—with proactive solutions that help your district stay ahead. Download Presentation

Speakers:
Audra Bussard State Manager, American Fidelity Assurance Co.
Kaitlin Luke School Benefits Specialist, American Fidelity Assurance Co.

2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sessions

This session will cover key components of the 10-Year Health/Life Safety (HLS) survey, including how to use the survey for long-term planning. Learn about HLS project requirements, available funding options and other essential ISBE mandates. Download Presentation

Speakers:
Jan Bush Business Manager, Murphysboro Community Unit School District 186
Todd Hannah Associate Principal, GreenAssociates, Inc.

This session explores practical ways AI can streamline processes, giving you more time to focus on what matters most—people. Learn from real-world success stories and leave with actionable insights for implementing AI solutions tailored to your team's unique needs. Download Presentation

Speakers:
David Bruno Assistant Superintendent/Human Resources, Glen Ellyn School District 41
Dale Fisher President, Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators (IASPA)


Thank You for Attending the 2025 Regional Conferences


It was a great opportunity to connect with your colleagues and discuss the issues that matter most to you and your district. Stay tuned for more details on saving the date for next year.