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Course

2023 MASBO Winter Conference


Total Credits: 10.0 including 10 Board of School Administrators Credit(s), 10 MASBO Credit(s)


Dates



Description

The Winter Conference is virtual and includes two days of live sessions plus a collection of recorded webinars. In addition, all live sessions will also be recorded to be viewed on-demand following the conference.  Sessions include MDE updates, a COVID funds peer group and panel discussion, 101 sessions for newer members, plus other timely sessions on topics including negotiations, construction agreements, addressing employee performance issues, GASB 96 and much more. Please note: the schedule is tentative and subject to change.


Conference Agenda

Monday, January 30

Recorded Content Available

  • Xcel Energy – Energy Data Management Monitoring Solutions – Brent Velenchenko, Xcel Energy; Albert Joe, Xcel Energy
  • Dual Role Administrative Roles: What is it like? – Daniel Ludvigson, Long Prairie-Grey Eagle School District
  • Introduction to SEDRA
  • Leveraging Capital Creation Strategies to Reduce Funding Appropriations – Tim Dettlaff, Ameresco

Thursday, February 2

Live Virtual Sessions (all sessions recorded for on-demand viewing, except where indicated *)
 


8:00-8:30am

Your Energy Flows Where Your Attention Goes Jennifer Phillips, Mindfulness Mentor and Educator

8:30-8:45am

Break

8:45-9:00am

Welcome and Opening Announcements — John Morstad, MASBO Vice President

9:00-9:50am

The Good, Bad, & Ugly: Understanding Bond Math for Borrowing and InvestingSteve Pumper, PMA Financial; Michael Hart, PMA Securities

A Practical Guide to Addressing Difficult Employees Performance IssuesJennifer Earley, Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney

9:50-10:00am

Break

10:00-10:50am

UFARS Hot TopicsDeb Meier, MDE; Molly Koppes, MDE

Tier Licensure and STAR InformationKat Anthony-Wigle, PELSB; Emily Busta, Licensing Supervisor, PELSB

10:50-11:00am

Break

11:00-11:50am

Mental Health Liability Traps for School Professionals James Olney, USI Insurance Services; Mohammad El-Sawaf, USI Insurance Services

State Equalization Aid: Debt, Operating Referendum and Local Optional RevenueShelby McQuay, Ehlers; Aaron Bushberger, Ehlers

11:50am-12:30pm

Break

12:30-1:20pm

Training on LTFM Applications of the Revenue Projection Model and Revenue Projection Spreadsheet with Fund 01 and Fund 06 Balance Sheet AccountingSarah C. Miller, MDE

New Trends In Group Health Plan Options - ICHRAs, Level-Funded Plans, and MoreSteve Smith, National Insurance Services; Adam Kuck, National Insurance Services

1:20-1:30pm

Break

1:30-2:20pm

Succession Planning for Public SchoolsRyan Fetters, Baker Tilly; Meghan Miles, Baker Tilly

Introduction to the Revenue Projection Model (101)Cathy Erickson, MDE

2:20-2:30pm

Break

2:30-3:20pm

COVID Funds Peer Group & Panel Discussion Kathryn Haase, Willmar Public Schools; Andrew Beenken-Adams, Austin Public Schools; Mary Barrie; John Ford, MDE; Jenna Randolph, MDH

Difficult Labor Relations: Understanding Union TacticsMargaret A. Skelton, Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney

Friday, February 3

Live Virtual Sessions (all sessions recorded for on-demand viewing, except where indicated *)
 


8:30-8:35am

Opening Announcements

8:35-9:35am

Keynote: Nice Kid in School: Stories of Confidence, Kindness and PerseveranceBryan Skavnak

9:35-9:45am

Break

9:45-10:35am

Top Strategies for Technology PlanningRuss Johnson, True North Consulting Group

IRS Tax Updates *Alan Gregerson, Internal Revenue Service

10:35-10:45am

Break

10:45-11:35am

Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Management Agreements – Areas of Risk to Be Most Concerned AboutTroy Miller, LHB; Jeff Martin, Adolfson & Peterson Construction

Special Ed UpdatePaul Ferrin, MDE

11:35am-12:30pm

Break

12:15-12:25pm

Legislative Update — Valerie Dosland, MASBO Lobbyist

12:30-1:20pm

Negotiations 101Tiffany Gustin, MN School Boards Association

MARSS 101Marilyn Loehr, MDE

1:20-1:30pm Break

1:30-2:20pm

Ask MDE * — MDE Staff

  • 1:30-1:55pm Group 1 Breakout Rooms – Sped Finance and LTFM
  • 1:55-2:20pm Group 2 Breakout Rooms – PSEO, Extended Learning and MDE/Legislative

GASB 96 OverviewBonnie Schwieger, ABDO

See detailed session descriptions below.

Keynote

Friday Keynote Presentation – Nice Kid in School: Stories of Confidence, Kindness and Perseverance
Bryan Skavnak

As a speaker and writer, Bryan has helped thousands of kids (and adults, too!) achieve their dream of being happier and more confident--join us and learn how to Be the Nice Kid!

Sponsors

Thank you, Sponsors!

Thank you, Keynote Sponsor!

Horace Mann

 

Thank you, Technology and Engagement Sponsor!

CPC


Education Credits

MASBO Credits: 
The "MASBO Credit" is our standard credit and will be offered for each one-hour live or recorded session. MASBO Credits can apply toward your MASBO certification designation. 

Board of School Administrators Credits:  
Approved administrative continuing education credits are available for most MASBO conferences, workshops, and professional development programs. For in-person events, registered attendees must attend the full event to receive credit. BOSA credits may also be available for select live or recorded webinars

CPE Credits:
There are not any CPE credits offered for the Winter Conference.


Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received by the MASBO office at least 48 hours prior to the event are eligible for a refund of the registration fee. No refunds will be provided for cancellations received fewer than 48 hours prior to the event.

Audio/Video Policy: Registration and attendance at, or participation at association events constitutes an agreement by the registrant to association’s use and distribution of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions and audiotapes of such events and activities.

Code of Conduct: MASBO is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment for all participants, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, or religion. MASBO will not tolerate harassment of event attendees in any form. Those violating these rules may be sanctioned, expelled from the event without a refund, and/or excluded from attending future events, at the discretion of the organization.


Session Details

Recorded Sessions

Xcel Energy - Energy Data Management Monitoring SolutionsBrent Velenchenko, Xcel Energy; Albert Joe, Xcel Energy
Empower Intelligence with InfoWise allows you to easily monitor your water and natural gas usage, identify excessive use or potential leaks, and implement strategies to save on all of your utility costs.

Dual Role Administrative Roles: What is it like?Daniel Ludvigson, Long Prairie-Grey Eagle School District
This presentation goes into the pros and cons of a dual administrative role both for a school district and the individual taking on that role. I share some common challenges faced in such positions and share experiences.

SEDRA/ACTE SPED TopicJill Bemis, MDE
This training is an overview to the Special Education Data Reporting Application (SEDRA). The presentation will cover why the data needs to be accurate, what it is used for, how to enter it, what were some of the common errors with the final data entry due 11/30, timeline for entering data, resources available on SEDRA, and where to ask questions.

Leveraging Capital Creation Strategies to Reduce Funding AppropriationsTim Dettlaff, Ameresco
Many public institutions are currently facing budget constraints and decreased revenue from the pandemic. Is there a way to "create capital" to help offset the deferred maintenance/capital renewal backlog? In this session, we will explore proven Capital Creation Strategies™ to improve the deferred renewal gap and aging infrastructure challenge.


Thursday, February 2 — Live Virtual Sessions 
(all sessions recorded for on-demand viewing, except where indicated *)


8:00-8:30am

Your Energy Flows Where Your Attention Goes Jennifer Phillips, Mindfulness Mentor and Educator
Join us for a 30 minute session led by Jen Phillips, where we will learn ways to move energy to support the intentions you create. Learn skills and a few tools to support flow in your workspace and beyond.

9:00-9:50am

The Good, Bad, & Ugly: Understanding Bond Math for Borrowing and InvestingSteve Pumper, PMA Financial; Michael Hart, PMA Securities
What does Bond Premium mean? What about Bond Discount? Are these good, bad, or indifferent? How do Coupons work? What does it mean to book an investment at Market Value? Learn the answer to these questions and more!

A Practical Guide to Addressing Difficult Employees Performance IssuesJennifer Earley, Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney
Responding to employee misconduct or poor performance is never easy but some situations are more difficult than others. There are laws to protect the rights of staff who are not meeting job expectations, perhaps due to chemical dependency or a medical condition, and require a careful approach by the employer. This presentation will walk the audience through these legal landmines and provide practical guidance as to how to approach these tricky scenarios.

10:00-10:50am

UFARS Hot TopicsDeb Meier, MDE; Molly Koppes, MDE
This session will include FY 23 UFARS updates, which will include federal COVID funds, GASB Statement No. 87 and 96.

Tiered Licensure and STAR InformationKat Anthony-Wigle, PELSB; Emily Busta, Licensing Supervisor, PELSB
What is tiered licensure? How do I know what license my teacher needs? What happens if we have a teacher who does not have a license? Join PELSB staff to find your answers.

11:00-11:50am

Mental Health Liability Traps for School Professionals James Olney, USI Insurance Services; Mohammad El-Sawaf, USI Insurance Services
Managing the impact of mental health in the school workplace. Assessing, accommodation, and termination. We will explore these issues and provide solutions to keep your workforce at the top of their game while minimizing the impacts of mental strain and liability.

State Equalization Aid: Debt, Operating Referendum and Local Optional RevenueShelby McQuay, Ehlers; Aaron Bushberger, Ehlers
Districts across Minnesota receive equalization aid. But to what extent and for how long? Here, we'll explore equalization aid formulas, including the School Building Bond Agricultural Credit. We'll look at statewide trends and district examples of how changing property wealth and varying property tax bases are impacting the aid generated. Finally, we'll review legislative proposals that contemplate equalization formulas.

12:30-1:20pm

Training on LTFM Applications of the Revenue Projection Model and Revenue Projection Spreadsheet with Fund 01 and Fund 06 Balance Sheet AccountingSarah C. Miller, MDE
Review of LTFM Revenue and Expenditures Planning to include training on Revenue Projection Model ("What-if"), Revenue Projection Ten-Year Spreadsheet training and LTFM Fund 01 and 06 Balance Sheet Accounting.

New Trends In Group Health Plan Options - ICHRAs, Level-Funded Plans, and More Steve Smith, National Insurance Services; Adam Kuck, National Insurance Services
During this session, we’ll be discussing new and innovative ways groups can offer healthcare to their employees. With the rising costs of health care, we’re seeing new solutions come to the marketplace and that’s what we’ll be speaking about today. Topics will include ICHRAs, level-funded health plans, and more.

1:30-2:20pm

Succession Planning for Public SchoolsRyan Fetters, Baker Tilly; Meghan Miles, Baker Tilly
This session will cover the implementation of a successful workforce succession plan. The stages of a plan include:

  • Talent acquisition (recruitment, selection)
  • Talent development (onboarding, training, performance management)
  • Talent retention (leadership development, employee engagement, rewards, recognition)
  • Talent sustainment (succession planning, knowledge transfer)

Introduction to the Revenue Projection Model (101)Cathy Erickson, MDE
The Revenue Project Model is a valuable tool, and this session will cover all of the basics--where to find it, what's included in it and how to get started.

2:30-3:20pm

COVID Funds Peer Group & Panel Discussion Kathryn Haase, Willmar Public Schools; Andrew Beenken-Adams, Austin Public Schools; Mary Barrie; John Ford, MDE
Facilitated by MASBO members Andrew Adams and Kathryn Haase, this session will cover hot topics related to federal COVID relief funds. We'll have a panel of experts from MDE to provide updates, address common pitfalls, and answer questions. Bring your questions and ideas to this interactive session.

Difficult Labor Relations: Understanding Union TacticsMargaret A. Skelton, Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney
Nation-wide, labor negotiations have become more difficult leading to strikes and threatened strikes. This presentation will discuss common union tactics leading to difficult labor relations. It will also provide practical guidance for school districts experiencing difficult negotiations.


Friday, February 3 — Live Sessions 
(all sessions recorded for on-demand viewing, except where indicated *)


8:35-9:35am

Keynote: Nice Kid in School: Stories of Confidence, Kindness and PerseveranceBryan Skavnak
As a speaker and writer, Bryan has helped thousands of kids (and adults, too!) achieve their dream of being happier and more confident--join us and learn how to Be the Nice Kid!

9:45-10:35am

Top Strategies for Technology PlanningRuss Johnson, True North Consulting Group
With the dependence on technology for instruction, operations, and just about every function in a district, it is more important than ever that we plan ahead for these investments. True North CEO Russ Johnson will walk participants through his experience helping district leadership obtain a holistic view of the technology ecosystem; from infrastructure, classroom instruction, district leadership interviews, and staff surveys. We will discuss why this information is critical in establishing a long-term plan and accurate budget for future technology investments in your district. Mr. Johnson will also review common challenges/obstacles facing districts in regard to technology, industry best practices and tips and answer any questions from the audience.

IRS Tax Updates *Alan Gregerson, Internal Revenue Service
This session will cover IRS Tax Updates, Payroll Tax, IRS Tools, and commonly asked questions.

10:45-11:35am

Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Management Agreements – Areas of Risk to Be Most Concerned AboutTroy Miller, LBH; Jeff Martin, Adolfson & Peterson Construction
You don't have to read the fine print on every design or construction document. But anyone involved in a building project should understand the basic agreements and risks they'll enter into. Often, we encounter legal teams that don't fully understand the challenges of design, construction, and operations. Whether you're considering a study, starting building project, or just sorting through your LTFM efforts, attend this workshop to get solid advice from some experienced consultants.

Special Ed UpdatePaul Ferrin, MDE
The presentation will review general special education updates, including Maintenance of Effort (MOE) and the State Special Education aid formula.

12:15-12:25pm

Legislative UpdateValerie Dosland, MASBO Lobbyist
Valerie will provide a brief legislative update on the Governor’s budget proposals and other developments during this first month of the legislative session.

12:30-1:20pm

Negotiations 101Tiffany Gustin, MN School Boards Association
Are you new to the negotiations process? This session will outline the process, along with what should be done leading up to and during negotiations.

MARSS 101Marilyn Loehr, MDE
Pupils matter! It is critical to understand how pupil counts are submitted, and the timing of doing so, to make sure that funding flows in the best way possible. The better your estimates, the more confident you can be in your budgets and funding.

1:30-2:20pm

Ask MDE * — MDE Staff
During this session, representatives from MDE will be available in Zoom breakout rooms to answer your questions. Bring your questions, or simply join in to learn and connect.

GASB 96 OverviewBonnie Schwieger, ABDO
GASB Statement 96 addresses subscription-based information technology arrangements. This session will provide an accounting and term overview, as well as a disclosure summary and the implementation steps.

 

Handouts

Presenter

Andrew Adams's Profile

Andrew Adams Related Seminars and Products

Executive Director of Finance & Operations

Eden Prairie Schools



Mary Barrie Related Seminars and Products

Program Specialist

Minnesota Department of Education


Mary Barrie is an Educational Specialist who returned to the Department of Education after her retirement to work on a temporary assignment to oversee the federal grants for Expanded Summer Learning and Summer Academic and Mental Health programs. Prior to her retirement, she was the Supervisor for High School Initiatives. Mary has worked in public education for three decades and earned her Doctorate in Education Policy and Planning from the University of Minnesota. Mary has been working at MDE since 2012.


Jill Bemis Related Seminars and Products

Minnesota Department of Education


Jill Bemis, Education Finance Specialist, has been with the Department of Education since 2011. Her primary focus is providing technical assistance and reviewing expenditures for inclusion in the state special education aid formula. She reviews Alternative Delivery of Specialized Instructional Services (ADSIS) budgets, Access to Career and Technical Education - Special Education (ACTE-SPED) transactions, vehicle and construction requests, and special student placement applications.


Aaron Bushberger's Profile

Aaron Bushberger Related Seminars and Products

Ehlers & Associates, Inc.


Aaron is a Municipal Advisor with our Minnesota Education Team, bringing more than 16 years’ school finance experience to his role with the firm. Prior to joining Ehlers in 2021, he worked for seven years as the Director of Finance for South St. Paul Public Schools and served as the Finance Director for South Washington County Schools previously.


Tim Dettlaff Related Seminars and Products

Senior Vice President and General Manager

AMERESCO, INC


Tim Dettlaff has provided twenty-six plus years of asset planning guidance, also referred to as LTFM, and strategies to thousands of schools, municipalities, state agencies and Federal agencies in the United States and Canada. Tim shares his knowledge and experience from more than a billion square feet of work completed in customer facilities.


Jennifer Earley's Profile

Jennifer Earley Related Seminars and Products

Attorney

Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A


Jennifer Earley is a shareholder of Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney and a graduate of William Mitchell College of Law. She has nearly three decades of experience counseling and providing training to schools on a wide variety of issues including employee discipline/termination, labor relations and contracts, harassment/discrimination and school policies.


Mohammad ElSawaf's Profile

Mohammad ElSawaf Related Seminars and Products

Vice President, School Focus Group Consultant

Hildi Inc., A Division of USI Consulting Group


Mohammad is a risk management specialist and insurance enthusiast at USI Insurance Services. In his role, he consults in commercial risk management and insurance solutions, focusing on school districts within USI's School Focus Group. Mohammad partners with organizations to help them identify and control their total cost of risk.


Paul Ferrin Related Seminars and Products

Supervisor of Special Education Funding and Data

Minnesota Department of Education


Paul Ferrin is currently the supervisor of the special education funding and data workgroup at the Minnesota Department of Education. He has worked at the department for 5 years in various roles including monitoring special education expenditures and providing data analytics to the special education funding workgroup.



Alan Gregerson's Profile

Alan Gregerson Related Seminars and Products

Senior Stakeholder Liaison

Internal Revenue Service


Alan Gregerson has worked at the IRS for over thirty-six years.  Over the years, he has held positions of a Revenue Agent, Taxpayer Education Specialist, Taxpayer Service Specialist, and currently a Senior Stakeholder Liaison in the Communications and Liaison Division within the IRS.  Over the last twenty-two years he has made many presentations and communicated with many agencies, businesses, payroll professionals, and practitioner groups of important messages for the various organizations.  He received his Certified Payroll Professional designation in 2011.   He has received his Distinguished Toastmaster Designation in in public speaking in July 2018 with many presentations over the years.  He also received the Civil Servant of the Year Award in 2009 from the Federal Executive Board.  Currently, he also works with practitioners on reviewing IRS practices, procedures, and policies, and suggestions to improve IRS processes with communication. He is a University of Minnesota graduate with concentration in accounting and business topics.  


Tiffany Gustin's Profile

Tiffany Gustin Related Seminars and Products

Associate of Management and Insurance Trust Services

MN School Boards Association


Tiffany Gustin serves as the Associate Director of Management and Insurance Trust Services for the MN School Boards Association. Before joining MSBA, she spent 10 years as a school business official. She loves campfires and spending time with her family, mostly the dogs.


Kathryn Haase's Profile

Kathryn Haase Related Seminars and Products

Director of Business & Finance

Willmar Public Schools


Michael Hart's Profile

Michael Hart Related Seminars and Products

PMA Financial Network,LLC


Michael Hart is a Director of Public Finance in Minnesota for PMA Securities. He has over ten years of experience leading school districts through the financial aspects of bond issues and referendums for both capital projects and operating funds. Mr. Hart holds Series 7, 50, 53, 54, and 63 FINRA licenses.


Albert Joe Related Seminars and Products

Account Manager

Xcel Energy


Russ Johnson's Profile

Russ Johnson Related Seminars and Products

True North Consulting Group


Russ Johnson is the CEO of True North Consulting Group, a firm specializing in security and technology assessment, planning, design, and procurement services for the public sector. With over 20 years of experience in the technology industry, Russ has earned numerous professional technology certifications, and he has developed extensive expertise in Educational Technology, Bond Planning, Staffing & Budgeting, Bidding & Procurement, SWOT Analysis, and Technology Systems Project Management.


Adam Kuck's Profile

Adam Kuck Related Seminars and Products

National Insurance Services


Adam joined the Retirement Income service team at National Insurance Services (NIS) as an Account Representative in 2016. He predominantly serviced tax-advantaged plans, including VEBAs, HSAs, FSAs, and 403b's. Adam recently joined NIS's Full Benefits Consulting team as an Account Manager in 2023. In this role he assists clients with their employee benefits, benefit communication, and benefit education. He helps employees and employers answer policy-related questions, resolve employee claim issues with carriers, assists with employee or insurance committee meetings, and assists with the RFP process for medical plans and other ancillary lines. Adam is a licensed insurance agent working with Minnesota and Wisconsin schools, cities, and counties.



Jeff Martin Related Seminars and Products

Project Executive

Adolfson & Peterson Construction


Jeff Martin serves as a Project Executive with over 25 years of experience almost exclusively in the K12 and Higher Education market. He has completed more than 78 projects in 18 different school districts. Adolfson & Peterson Construction is a General Contractor that has been in business for over 75 years providing multiple project deliveries across the nation from 5 regional offices.


Shelby McQuay's Profile

Shelby McQuay Related Seminars and Products

Senior Municipal Advisor

Ehlers & Associates, Inc.


Shelby is a Senior Municipal Advisor and serves as the Managing Director of Ehlers’ School Finance Team. She assists districts across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois with long-term capital planning and navigating the implications of legislative proposals on debt issuance. Before joining the firm in 2016, Shelby worked with the Minnesota Senate as a non-partisan research analyst and fiscal analyst, developing education finance and tax policy.


Debra A Meier Related Seminars and Products

Education Finance Specialist II

Minnesota Department of Education


Deb graduated magna cum laude from Augsburg University with a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting and finance. She was an auditor for 4 1/2 years for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and has 16 years of experience as a Supervisor of Accounting for two different school districts. Deb has worked at MDE since December 2014 in the Division of School Finance.


Meghan Miles Related Seminars and Products

Senior Consultant = Public Sector Advisory

Baker Tilly


Troy Miller's Profile

Troy Miller Related Seminars and Products

Education Focus Leader

LHB


Troy has been working with school districts for over 30 years helping them plan and design new and renovated facilities. In 2020, he received the Associate Leaders Award from MASBO for his outstanding contribution to the advancement of the school business profession. His chief interests are in educational planning and designing buildings that are a unique as the communities they serve. A frequent presenter at professional associations, Troy‘s passion for promoting sustainable design and healthy building strategies to help achieve better student performance is contagious.


Sarah Miller Related Seminars and Products

Educational Finance Specialist II

Minnesota Department of Education


Sarah Miller, Director of Business in three Minnesota schools/consultant with Minnesota charter schools - 12 years. For the past 12 years, at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) – Financial Management/Budget Facilities teams. Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration/Accounting from UNC, Greeley, Colorado. Homeland Security Emergency Management representative for MDE.


James Olney, J.D. Related Seminars and Products

Senior VP /Senior Compliance & Workplace Consultant

USI Insurance Services


James Olney is an attorney who provides legal and best practices advice on employment law compliance, human resources, liability exposures, workers' compensation, etc. He regularly conducts leadership and other training for clients, is a frequent speaker at conferences and teaches at the University of Minnesota's College of Continuing and Professional Studies.


Jen Phillips's Profile

Jen Phillips Related Seminars and Products

Mindfulness Mentor and Educator


Steve R Pumper's Profile

Steve R Pumper Related Seminars and Products

Vice President

PMA Financial Network,LLC


Steve Pumper joined PMA Financial Network in July of 2009.  Prior to joining PMA, Steve worked as a school business manager in Minnesota schools for 22 years. He brings that experience in helping PMA develop services that are beneficial to the Business Manager in the field.  Steve is a Registered Representative with FINRA and holds his series 7, 50 and 63 securities licenses.


Bonnie Schwieger, CPA Related Seminars and Products

Audit Manager

Abdo, Eick & Meyers, LLP


Bonnie Schwieger, CPA is an Audit Manager with Abdo, Eick & Meyers. Ms. Schwieger joined the Firm in 2012 after graduating from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Her work includes assisting in the audits of several municipal, school district and Single Audits. 


Bryan Skavnak's Profile

Bryan Skavnak Related Seminars and Products

Golf Professional

Bryan Skavnak Golf Academy


Bryan Skavnak is the founder of Be the Nice Kid and the happiest golf professional in Minnesota.  Through his heartfelt and sometimes goofy stories, Bryan blends humor and inspiration to teach you how to Be the Nice Kid.  He is the author of the #1 Best Selling book, Happy Golf Starts Here (which is way more about life lessons than golf lessons).

As an inspiring speaker and writer, Bryan has helped thousands of kids (and their parents and teachers) achieve their dream of being happier and more confident by revealing how to surround themselves with a team of good people.

Bryan has 11 different colored belts, has stacked 5 golf balls on top of each other, and can dance to N ‘SYNC’s Bye, Bye, Bye.  He is married to his beautiful wife Kim, and has two darn cute kids, Ethan and Ella, who look just like him. Sorry kids.


Margaret Skelton's Profile

Margaret Skelton Related Seminars and Products

Attorney

Ratwik Roszak & Maloney PA


Margaret Skelton is a shareholder at Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A. For over twenty-five years, she has been advising school districts across the State of Minnesota on complicated labor, employment and school law issues. She also routinely defends school districts against claims brought against them in civil litigation and in grievance arbitration.


Steve Smith's Profile

Steve Smith Related Seminars and Products

Employee Benefits Consultant

National Insurance Services


Steve is an Employee Benefits Consultant for National Insurance Services (NIS). Steve has 26 years of experience with employee benefits. Steve specializes in employee benefits consulting for Minnesota schools, cities, and counties, including fully insured, self-insured, and stop-loss plans. Steve brings unique and creative ideas to the table to engage employees in their own health and wellness to lower utilization trends. For his public sector clients, Steve specializes in compliance, self-insurance, cost mitigation, utilization, analytics, wellness plans, strategic planning, and more. Steve is a licensed insurance agent and is also Medicare Certified.


Sean Smith Related Seminars and Products

Vice President Risk Management

USI Insurance Services


Sean is a risk management specialist and at USI Insurance Services. In his role, he consults in commercial risk management and insurance solutions, focusing on school districts within USI's School Focus Group. Mohammad partners with organizations to help them identify and control their total cost of risk. Sean is a former teacher, and current coach.


Brent Velenchenko Related Seminars and Products

Product Portfolio Manager

Xcel Energy


Brent has been managing the InfoWise product offering at Xcel Energy since November, 2021.


Molly Koppes Related Seminars and Products

Education Finance Specialist II

Minnesota Department of Education


Before joining the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Molly worked in both school operations and charter school authorizing, providing oversight to schools that were both operational and start up. She holds a BS degree from Augsburg University in mathematics.


Cathy Erickson Related Seminars and Products

Director of School Finance

Minnesota Department of Education


Marilynn Loehr Related Seminars and Products

MARSS Coordinator

Minnesota Department of Education


John Ford Related Seminars and Products

Education Program Specialist

MDE


Valerie Dosland's Profile

Valerie Dosland Related Seminars and Products

MASBO Lobbyist

Ewald Consulting


Valerie Dosland is the Director of Government Affairs at Ewald Consulting, where she provides government relations and lobbying services to clients in the areas of early childhood and K-12 education. Valerie assists her clients in policy development, lobbying and monitoring of legislative activities as well as grassroots development and engagement. Prior to joining Ewald Consulting in 2005, she worked for nine years at the Minnesota House of Representatives as a research consultant specializing in the areas of early childhood and K-12 education. Valerie is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a B.A., is an alumni of the U of M’s Humphrey Policy Fellows program, and serves on the board of the YMCA Youth in Government Program.


Sponsors

 

Thank you, Keynote Sponsor!

Horace Mann

Thank you, Technology and Engagement Sponsor!

Cooperative Purchasing Connection