SupportCon Sessions

Friday, December 5, 2025

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


8 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. | Welcome


8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. | Keynote Session

It Takes a Team: How Support Professionals Make Schools Thrive

Behind every successful school is a team that believes in one another. In this uplifting session, Jeff draws from his own experiences and lessons from Ted Lasso to celebrate the essential roles that make learning possible. You’ll leave inspired to BELIEVE in your impact.
Keynote Speaker: Jeff Feyerer, Assistant Superintendent/CSBO, Fairview South SD 72 


9:25 a.m. to 10:25 a.m. | Breakout Sessions

Get clarity on the procedures and common challenges surrounding student activities. This session will provide a concise overview to help you navigate requirements with confidence. 

PDC: Accounting
Speakers: 

Stacey Corder
 
Robyn Cornelissen Executive Director of Financial Services, School District U-46

Office turnover can challenge even the most well-organized teams. This session offers practical strategies to help school business office professionals manage transitions smoothly, preserve institutional knowledge, and support new staff. 

PDC: Communications
Speaker:

Daniel Oberg Dir./Business Services, Comm. High Sch. Dist. 94

Learn the fundamentals of coding fixed assets in the general ledger and understand why accurate coding is essential. Follow practical guidance tips to help school business office staff track assets correctly and maintain clear financial records.

PDC: Accounting
Speaker: 
Charles Gusswein Assurance Manager, Baker Tilly US, LLP


10:40 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. | Breakout Sessions

ArGain a clear understanding of the financial side of food service operations. Break down the key components of receivables and payables, helping you track funds accurately and maintain compliance. 

PDC: Food Service
Speakers: 
Erica Arlinsky Executive Vice President, OrganicLife, LLC
Karen Hayes Interim CSBO, Skokie SD 73.5

New to bonds and investments? This session provides a clear introduction to how they function within a school district. Learn the key terms, processes and decision-making factors that influence financial planning. 

PDC: Cash Management
Speakers: 

Timothy Flaherty
Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager, PMA Financial Network LLC
Nate Frentz
Director, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company
Elizabeth Hennessy Managing Director, Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

Discover the power of connection in this unconventional session on networking. Gain practical tips on how and when to network—and why building relationships can make a lasting difference.

PDC: Leadership
Speakers: 
David Bein, Ph.D., SFO Retired CSBO
Carrie Matlock, AIA, LEED® AP, BD+C President, DLA Architects, Ltd.

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.

Presented by: Illinois ASBO 
Speakers: 

Ivy Fleming
Asst. Supt./Finance & Operations, Fremont SD 79
Benjamin Hettel
Exec. Director of Operations, Troy CCSD 30-C
Kathleen Kaiser
Director of Business Services, Lake Zurich CUSD 95
Jason Klein, Ph.D.
Senior Director of Learning Partnerships, Northern Illinois University (NIU)


11:40 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. | Lunch & Roundtable Networking


1:20 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. | Breakout Sessions

Build a stronger understanding of the insurance coverages every district should have in place. Explore commonly used policies and the key tools and resources that help prevent and mitigate claims, keeping your district protected.

PDC: Risk Management
Speakers: 
Ryan Doyle Area Vice President, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Trevor Smith Assistant Program Director, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Want to stand out and grow professionally? This session equips you with thoughtful, strategic questions that demonstrate initiative and spark productive conversations with supervisors. Gain a toolkit of questions to help you build confidence and “look smart” in every interaction.

PDC: Communications
Speakers: 
Fenil Patel Senior Vice President Business Development, Quest Food Management Services, Inc.
LeeAnn Taylor Chief School Business Official, Frankfort CUSD 157-C

Effective vendor management is essential to protecting your district and maintaining compliance. This session will cover best practices for organizing and maintaining vendor data, including ownership status, W-9 forms, TIN matching and 1099 reporting. 

PDC: Purchasing
Speakers:

Ivy Fleming Asst. Supt./Finance & Operations, Fremont SD 79
Nicole Kennedy, CPMM; CPP Purchasing Manager, Comm. Unit Sch. Dist. 300


2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Breakout Sessions

Get a legal perspective on the key FOIA issues faced by officers in 2025. Review recent court and Public Access Counselor decisions and provide practical reminders to help navigate common challenges with confidence.

PDC: Legal Issues
Speaker: 
Matthew Swift Attorney, Robbins Schwartz

Take an inside look at transportation claims and their impact on district budgets. This session highlights current trends, compares actual expenses to budgeted amounts and offers strategies for effective cost management and financial planning. 

PDC: Budgeting
Speakers:
Whitney Draegert Dir./Business Services, CSBO, Lake Forest SD 67 & 115
Lisa Roberts Director of Business Services, Elmhurst CUSD 205



Registration is Open for SupportCon


A conference for every role the educational support professional plays. SupportCon is heading to  NIU Naperville Conference Center on Friday, December 5. Register today for this in-person day of learning and networking with your colleagues. Registration is open.


Register Today