Financially Sustainable School Systems

Lori Volz is a director with Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors specializing in serving public schools. She has more than 40 years of experience in the field of school finance, previously serving as executive director of finance and operations, deputy superintendent for public school districts and municipal advisor. Lori is a member of the MASBO Legislative Committee and holds a school superintendent license through the Minnesota Department of Education. She was a recipient of a Pinnacle Award through ASBO International as well as a MASBO School Business Official of the Year.

Dr. Jay Staley is a K-12 Director with Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, LLC, operating out of the firm's greater Indianapolis, Indiana practice. Described as a "value architect," Dr. Staley specializes in helping PK-12 public school systems navigate intense fiscal pressures to optimize their budgets and achieve their core educational missions. His consulting practice focuses on strategic financial planning initiatives, long-term capital forecasting, budget monitoring, and delivering localized school finance training. Dr. Staley brings more than 30 years of experience in public education to Baker Tilly, including 26 years serving directly within school district leadership teams. This deep, in-district perspective allows him to ground his advisory services in real-world educational operations.