A conversation exploring key components and experiences to help you prepare for your first collective bargaining process. Download Presentation

PDC: Legal Issues
Speakers: Joe Blomquist Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, CSBO, Elmhurst CUSD 205
Adam Dauksas Partner, Franczek
Dean Romano, Ed.D., SFO Asst. Supt. for Business & Operations, Lake Zurich CUSD 95

Join us to learn the essentials of public bidding, exceptions, bid timelines, specifications, bid process and how to avoid pitfalls of the process.

PDC: Purchasing
Speakers: Tim Keeley Associate Superintendent, CSBO, Twp. High Sch. Dist. 214
Amy McPartlin Asst. Supt./Finance & Operations, Prospect Heights SD 23
Thomas Parillo Chief School Business Official, Ridgewood CHSD 234

Discover how to attract, support and elevate new and aspiring professionals through inclusion. Learn how diverse perspectives fuel innovation, strengthen leadership and create thriving workplaces. Gain practical tools to build inclusive teams and systems where every voice matters. Download Presentation

PDC: DEI
Speakers: Arica Finney Client Services Manager, CORE Construction
Tamara Mitchell, SFO Chief Financial Officer, Evanston-Skokie CCSD 65

Gain a survival guide for transitioning to your new position in your district. Learn what to know, where to gather resources and create a helpful network group to aid in your success.

PDC: Principles of School Finance
Speakers: Melissa Morgese Assistant Superintendent of Business, Addison Elem. SD 4
Mike Vargas Business Manager, Marquardt SD 15

Discuss the benefits of an onboarding plan and why offboarding is just as critical. Download Presentation

PDC: Human Resources
Speakers: Matt Biscan Asst. Supt. For Admin Services, Comm. Unit Sch. Dist. 200
Kristy Kuntz Dir. Human Resources, Comm. Unit Sch. Dist. 200
Gina Polubinski Human Resources Coordinator, Comm. Unit Sch. Dist. 200

A high-level overview of what investments are allowed for school districts and how to identify the investment potential in your district. Download Presentation

PDC: Cash Management
Speakers: Dan Barlow Vice President, Mesirow Financial, Inc.
Jake Goedken VP Investment Svcs., PMA Financial Network LLC

An introduction to special education, SPED finance and reporting. Download Presentation

PDC: Special Education
Speakers: Julie Neenan Director of Business and Operations, North DuPage Special Ed. Co-Op (NDSEC)
Steve Wilt Chief School Business Official, Winnetka SD 36

An overview of the operations department for CSBOs–how does it work, and where to seek assistance. Download Presentation

PDC: Maintenance & Operations
Speakers: Nick Demeas, CPMM, CPS Building Manager, Twp. High Sch. Dist. 113
Marta McCullough, CPMM Facilities & Transportation Manager, Glenbard Twp. HSD 87
Jose Medina Director of Facilities, Beach Park CCSD 3

Identify local, state and federal funding sources that affect school districts. Learn tax levy basics and other critical factors impacting school district revenue in Illinois.

PDC: Principles of School Finance
Speaker: Scott Beranek Director of Finance/CSBO, Orland SD 135
Samir Desai Asst. Director for Business Operations, Wheaton CUSD 200
Joseph McCurdy Assistant Superintendent/CSBO, Oak Lawn CHSD 229

Hear what seasoned professionals wish they’d known starting out, and discover strategies to make your first year a success. Download Presentation

PDC: Budgeting
Speakers: Saad Bawany Senior Advisor, Analytics, Frontline Education
Scott Blumberg Asst. Supt. for Business Services/CSBO, Aptakisic-Tripp SD 102
Jordi Camps, CPA Asst. Supt./Business Services, CFO, East Maine SD 63

This session covers key phases of school capital projects, including long-range planning, RFQs, funding, design and more. Whether you are a school administrator, facilities planner or operations director, you will gain essential strategies and actionable insights to lead or support successful capital improvements in your district. Download Presentation

PDC: Planning & Construction
Speakers: Alison Andrews Principal and Educational Planner, Wold Architects & Engineers
Leanne Meyer-Smith Principal, Wight & Company
Lance Tritsch Senior Vice President, Pepper Construction Company

This session will address a range of challenges, including fluctuations in investment income, the decline in CPPRT and the sunset of ESSER and other federal funding sources.

PDC: Accounting
Speakers: Jan Bush Business Manager, Murphysboro CUSD 186
Mary Kalou Assistant Superintendent, Maine Twp. HSD 207

Learn the fundamentals of school expenditures and financial reporting. Explore the CSBO’s role in managing spending and reviewing best practices in business office operations. Download Presentation

PDC: Principles of School Finance
Speakers: Cortnee Gutierrez Chief School Business Official, E.F. Lindop SD 92
Katie Hannigan Dir./Finance & Operations, CSBO, LaGrange Highlands SD 106
Brian Johnson Director of Finance, Crete-Monee CSD 201-U

Examine the critical steps a school district must take to prepare for emergencies, ensuring compliance with current regulations. Download Presentation

PDC: Risk Management
Speakers: Randy Braverman Director of Security, West 40
Jim Drumm VP of Sales, Seconds Matter Safety Solutions
Kim Lohse Asst. Supt./Admin., Addison Elem. SD 4

Gain a legal decision-making framework through real-world scenarios faced by CSBOs and school administrators. This interactive session explores how to make legal, ethical and student-centered decisions while navigating school finance, operations and governance.

Presented by Illinois ASBO
Speaker: Jason Klein Senior Director of Learning Partnerships, Northern Illinois University

This session, comprised of a panel of practitioners, including a superintendent, board member and CSBO, will provide valuable insight to elevate your skills and foster confidence in challenging communication scenarios. 

PDC: Communications
Speakers: Candance Gerritsen School Board Member
Dan Oberg Dir./Business Services, Comm. High Sch. Dist. 94
Natalie Udstuen Director of Business Services, Fox Lake SD 114
Dr. Doug Wernet Superintendent, Frankfort CUSD 157-C

This session highlights the business manager’s key role in maintaining fiscal responsibility. Explore the full school budget cycle—from revenue forecasting and strategic planning to board adoption and year-end review. Learn how to collaborate with program leaders, support data-driven decisions and align financial resources with district goals. 

PDC: Budgeting
Speaker: Whitney Draegert Dir./Business Services, CSBO, Lake Forest SD 67 & 115
Michael Engel Asst. Supt./CFO, Aurora East SD 131
Chanbopha Loera District Accountant, Aurora East SD 131

Learn the basics of FMLA and important considerations in public education.

PDC: Human Resources
Speaker: Thomas Garretson Attorney, Robbins Schwartz

Explore best practices for construction contracts, including how to manage allowances and contingencies within defined contract terms. Gain insights from a CSBO, Owner’s Representative and Attorney on effective oversight and tracking. Download Presentation

PDC: Planning & Construction
Speakers: Terry Fielden Group Leader K12 Education, Cotter Consulting, Inc. 
Ken Florey Partner, Robbins Schwartz 
Steve Wilt Chief School Business Official, Winnetka SD 36

Learn about creative methods for hiring, training and contracting out staff. Download Presentation

PDC: Maintenance & Operations
Speakers: Eric Jonasson, CPMM, CPS Director of Facilities, Lincolnshire Prairieview SD 103
Marta McCullough Facilities & Transportation Manager, Glenbard Twp. HSD 87