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Total Credits: 9
Tags: Annual Conference
Join us for the MASBO 2025 Annual Conference and Trade Show, the largest gathering of school business professionals in Minnesota. The conference officially starts with lunch on Wednesday, but be sure to consider two optional events on Wednesday morning: a pre-conference session and a certification course (open to all members, separate registration required).
| Wednesday, May 7 | |
|---|---|
| 8:00am – 5:00pm | Registration |
| 9:00am – 12:00pm | Certification Course: Special Education Finance (separate registration required) |
| 10:00am – 11:30am | Conference Pre-Session: Time Management |
| 10:00am – 11:45am |
Leadership Academy (by invitation only) |
| 11:15am – 12:30pm | Opening Lunch – Conference Begins |
| 12:30pm – 4:40pm | Gold Mine Sessions |
| 6:00pm – 9:00pm | The Great MASBO Gathering |
| Thursday, May 8 | |
| 7:30am – 8:30am | Leadership Academy Breakfast (by invitation only) |
| 8:30am – 9:45am | General Session |
| 10:00am – 11:50am | Breakouts |
| 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Awards Luncheon |
| 1:10pm – 1:50pm | Peer Group Discussions |
| 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Trade Show |
| 5:00pm | Wellness Walk/Run |
| 5:00pm – 9:00pm | Dine-Around |
| 8:30pm – 12:00am | Social Event |
| Friday, May 9 | |
| 9:00am – 11:50am | Breakout Sessions |
| 11:50am – 12:30pm | Grab and Go Lunch & Conference concludes |
Schedule may be subject to change.
Jennifer Moss
In this rapidly changing work environment, burnout remains an everyday challenge. It’s why we’re still dealing with chronic stress at peak rates–even higher than in the height of the pandemic. Today, the 2024 Global Mercer Trends Report finds 82% of employees are at risk. In this keynote, Jennifer Moss offers straightforward, research backed strategies to help you recognize early warning signs, put practical wellness practices into action, and build a culture that genuinely supports its people. Expect real world insights and tools that you can use immediately to make your workplace a better, more sustainable environment for everyone.
Thank you, Keynote Sponsor!
In 2025, MASBO is celebrating our 75th Anniversary, and several special events to recognize this milestone will be held at the conference and are included in your full conference registration. Retired members are invited to join us, and those members can find more information here.
Kathlynn McConnell, Metamorphosis CCT & Lifestyle Consulting Services
How many times during the workday do you get interrupted? Do workplace distractions and deadlines derail your workflow and make you feel frustrated and stressed by the end of the day? Not to worry, help is on its way. This session will equip you with practical strategies to identify and minimize workplace disruptions, prioritize tasks effectively, and reestablish your workflow…and sanity.
Thank you, Pre-Session Sponsor!
Paul Ferrin, Minnesota Department of Education
Total Credits: 3.0 including 3 Board of School Administrators Credit(s), 3 MASBO Credit(s)
Cost: $85 - Non-members; $60 - Members
Register for Certification Course
Description: This session will take an in-depth, hands-on look at the three primary reports associated with Minnesota special education funding:
Thank you, Certification Sponsor!
Jennifer Moss is an international speaker, award- winning journalist and author, workplace culture strategist, and cofounder of the Work Better Institute, a global workforce policy think tank. She is a nationally syndicated radio columnist and writes for Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Fortune. As a workplace expert, Jennifer is regularly invited by global media outlets to share her research and insights. Jennifer strategizes with leadership teams of large enterprise firms to measure well-being and improve Organizational culture and performance. Why Are We Here? Jennifer’s third leadership book focused on workplace culture and wellness, was released in January 2025.
With decades of experience in learning and development, Kathlynn is a champion of growth who brings energy, empathy, and a sprinkle of fun into every room she enters. Known for her passion for helping people and teams unleash their full potential, she combines her expertise with a contagious enthusiasm, making learning both impactful and enjoyable. Whether she’s guiding individuals on their journey to self improvement or building strong, collaborative teams, her goal is simple: to inspire others to become the best versions of themselves—and maybe share a few laughs along the way!
Lori is owner of CMI since 2006, coming thru the industry from service technician to service manager to project manager to owner. She carries the master licenses for the business. Not sure how this qualifies for the finance side of any industry but she is willing to share her spreadsheet tool she uses for customers.
Brock Bowsher is a principal and municipal advisor within the public sector group. He specializes in serving schools and libraries for capital planning, comprehensive financial planning, debt management and budget development.
Susan Brower is the Minnesota State Demographer and directs the MN State Demographic Center. Susan became the State Demographer in February 2012. Susan joined the State Demographic Center after working as a researcher on the Minnesota Compass project at Wilder Research in St. Paul. Prior to that, she worked at the Population Studies Center at the University of Michigan. She earned her Ph.D. in sociology at the University of Michigan, specializing in demography and family sociology. She also holds a master's degree in public policy from Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
Taylor Dickinson has more than 8 years of experience in the health and safety field working on a variety of projects, including: industrial hygiene sampling, asbestos project design and coordination, health and safety program maintenance and fungal sampling. Taylor’s safety experience started in the mining industry and she is a Part 48 above-ground Certified MSHA trainer, as well as a Certified Safety Professional through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. She currently oversees operations at IEA’s Virginia & Brainerd offices to assist clients in developing solutions to everyday environmental, health and safety issues, working directly with 34 school districts.
Beth is a Municipal Advisor with the Ehlers School Finance Team. She brings nearly two decades of public finance experience to her role with the firm, most recently serving as the Director of Business Services for the ROCORI school district. Prior to that, she worked as a Business Manager with Holdingford Public Schools and a governmental audit supervisor with a private firm. Beth holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the College of St. Benedict.
Edward Dressel is the President and CEO of both RetireReady Solutions and its spin-off PensionPortal.com. For the past 15 years, he has dedicated his career to helping individuals retire with confidence. Under his leadership, the firms provide award-winning retirement planning solutions to financial services companies as well as tools for improving education engagement regarding retirement readiness among public-sector employees. He and his wife reside in Dallas, Oregon, and have five grown children. He recently received his MBA from Willamette University, is a member of the trustees for Corban University and is on the Dallas (Oregon) School Board.
Since the start of his career in 1989, Jim Eichten has specialized in providing accounting, auditing, and consulting services for clients in governmental, nonprofit, and commercial industries, among others. During this time, Jim has provided service to a variety of institutions; helped organizations earn and retain industry certifications, and consulted on financial management issues. To keep his skills current, Jim receives at least 40 hours annually of continuing professional education, a significant portion of which are related specifically to governmental issues. Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration, with an accounting emphasis, from the College of St. Thomas.
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.
Wanda Erb is the President of ASBO International and serves as the business administrator for the Williamsport Area School District in Pennsylvania. With extensive experience in school business management, she is actively involved at the local, state, and national levels. In addition to her leadership role, she is an adjunct professor in the Wilkes University School Business Leadership Program.
As the Director of School Finance for the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Cathy oversees teams responsible for general education and categorical funding, levy process and certification, financial audits, aid payments, budget forecasting, and more. Her work also includes managing data related to students, transportation, and MDE-ORG sites, as well as overseeing special education funding and facilities maintenance. She frequently speaks at Minnesota Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) conferences and co-presents at the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) Phase II Finance training. Before joining MDE in July 2022, Cathy spent 23 years in school finance, serving in leadership roles at Duluth Public Schools, Arrowhead Regional Computing Consortium (ARCC), and Lake Superior School District. She also taught school finance as an adjunct instructor at St. Mary’s University. Cathy holds a bachelor's degree in management from the College of St. Scholastica.
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.
Jenna has served as CEO of Palmer Bus Service since 2015. She grew up cleaning buses and drove bus her senior year in high school and went on to become a high school teacher. Jenna sees herself as a servant/leader and believes that surrounding herself with great people is of utmost importance.
Ellie Gilliam is a Senior Client Executive at Nexus Solutions, where she has worked for over four years. Prior to working at Nexus Solutions, Ellie was a development engineer at multiple firms. She has a mechanical engineering degree from Michigan Technological University and started her career at Ford Motor Company. Her technical background really helps with the understanding of facility and district needs. She spends her time building relationships with districts and finding creative ways to help them solve their facility needs.
Tiffany Gustin serves as the Director of Management and Insurance Trust Services for the MN School Boards Association. Before working for MSBA, she served as a school district Business Manager for ten years. Prior to working in school finance, she was a software engineer and database analyst in the private sector and worked in county government.
In her spare time, she is a volunteer first responder, church pianist, and is the Chief Operations Officer of a crazy household made up of her husband, two adult children and way too many animals. She loves coffee, bacon, campfires, and spending time with her family, especially the dogs.
Michael Hart is a Managing Director of Public Finance in Minnesota for PMA Securities. He has over a decade of experience in public finance including 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.
Trevor Helmers is a shareholder with the law firm of Rupp, Anderson, Squires & Waldspurger, P.A., practicing in all areas of school law, municipal law, labor and employment law, land use and environmental law, construction disputes, and civil and appellate litigation. He conducts employment investigations and leads contract negotiations, and his litigation experience includes lawsuits, arbitration proceedings, special education hearings, and a host of other administrative actions. Trevor regularly presents on topics from all areas of his practice, including developments regarding student searches and social media concerns for school employees and students. He is a member of the Minnesota Council of School Attorneys, the Minnesota State Bar Association, and the Hennepin County Bar Association, and has served as a Board Member for the Hennepin County Bar Foundation. He earned his B.A. degree with honors and distinction from Iowa State University, and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School.
Kristen joined Robbinsdale as their Chief Financial Officer in August 2024. Prior to joining Robbinsdale, Kristen worked as a school finance official in various Minnesota school districts for the last twenty five years. She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (inactive status) and is also certified in School Finance and Operations (SFO).
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.
As the Principal CEO of Locklear Educational Services, I provide strategic direction and operational oversight for a leading educational consulting firm specializing in K-12 education. With over 20 years of experience in the education management industry, I have a proven track record of building trusted partnerships, developing innovative curriculum, and leading high-performing teams.
Jennifer Lotze joined the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in 2024 as a Cyber Security Coordinator for the state of Minnesota, where she supports the CISA mission to strengthen critical infrastructure. Jennifer began work as a special education teacher, found an affinity for technology, and progressed to a lead tech role at the Hudson (Wisconsin) School District. Responsible for providing equitable and accessible technology for all students, Jennifer led complex projects to provide seamless technology integration across educational practices and platforms. Jennifer is the current Northwest Region President for Women in Technology – Wisconsin, and previously held leadership roles for the Wisconsin Educational Technology Leaders, the National Cyber Watch Center, and other organizations. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts and a graduate degree from Wisconsin’s Carthage College, and is a Certified Educational Technology Leader and certified Google Education Trainer.
John is a registered Municipal Advisor Principal and Certified Public Funds Investment Manager. John joined ADM in 2017 and specializes in working with School Districts and other public entities to build strategic investment strategies to fit their cash management needs. He currently manages a portfolio of over $1 billion.
Peter Martin has spent the past 30 years providing advice to school districts regarding business contracts, employment disputes, special education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) complaint investigations, student discipline, and other general school law matters. Mr. Martin has also been active in the Minnesota legislature as a lobbyist and has been involved in developing many school-related legislative initiatives over the past decade. He is a member of the State Bars of Minnesota and Wisconsin, the National Association of Bond Lawyers, and the National School Boards Association Council of School Attorneys.
Melissa is the Director of Administrative Services for Lakes Country Service Cooperative and leads the award winning Cooperative Purchasing Connection team. Melissa has more than twenty years of experience with cooperative purchasing.
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.
James Menton is the Superintendent of BOLD Schools, where he has served for the past four years. Prior to this role, he was the high school principal at BOLD for five years. He began his career as a Spanish teacher at Albert Lea High School, where he taught for 11 years, and later served as a principal in Benson and Nicollet. As Superintendent, he has focused on building strong relationships between the communities of Bird Island and Olivia, fostering increased transparency and trust within the district. He has a total of 26 years of experience in education. In his free time he enjoys pursuing his interest in metalworking.
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.
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.
Parker Muirbrook has over a decade of experience in student transportation, collaborating with hundreds of districts to deliver tailored solutions. Dedicated to safety, efficiency, and quality, he is passionate about improving educational outcomes by ensuring every student has access to reliable transportation.
Danny Nelson is a Director at PFM Asset Management where he manages relationships for municipal governments in Minnesota. He provides investment advisory services, develops investment policies, helps with cash flow analyses, and monitors guidelines/strategy implementation. Danny provides public entities with training, technical, and analytical support with respect to clients’ investments.
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.
Cindy started her career at ARCC (RMIC Region #2 in Duluth) in 1998. ARCC is a Regional Management Information Center with 30 public school district members. Cindy started as the Administrative Assistant, worked as a Finance, Funding and Management Specialist and is now the Excecutive Director of ARCC. Cindy also serves as the President of the MASBO Board of Directors. Her favorite things to do at work include bank reconciliations, projecting students and listening to stakeholders to connect them with the human resources they need.
Joe is a consultant with over 18 years of experience focused on understanding your core business needs and works to deliver value through quality, timely projects. He has a history of providing top-notch services across multiple areas of federal taxation. Specific areas of expertise include tax methods and periods related to fixed assets and inventory. Additionally, Joe has a passion for business credits and incentives, specifically green energy credits and research and development tax credits. He has a deep working knowledge in the manufacturing, real estate, healthcare, transportation and technology industries. Joe is a member of Eide Bailly's National Tax Office (NTO) and acts as a resource for clients to become tax efficient and help analyze complex tax issues related to business decisions.
Tom has served Minnesota Schools for more than 30 years and is a resident expert in all things related to Human Resources and employee benefits. Our Learning Community’s mission is to help all public sector Organizationanizations’ leaders and administrators increase their employee benefits plan knowledge, plan management competency, confidence, and enthusiasm for the continuous improvement of their employee benefits plans’ performance for the benefit of their Organizations’ stakeholders.
Marlo is one of the nation's leading consumer directed healthcare experts. Expertise in VEBA, HSA, FSA & HRA, specializing in the Public Sector. Integrating public sector employers with Consumer Directed Tax Advantaged solutions for their Employees to save money on their Health Care expenses as well as save for future medical expenses including Medicare premiums.
With over 15 years of experience, Joni Puffett is highly skilled in assisting public agencies with achieving their procurement goals in a fiscally responsible manner. She is particularly passionate about her role’s ability to streamline the procurement process, enabling agencies to concentrate on their core missions and priorities.
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.
Jason has worked at MDE for the past three years as the levy coordinator. Prior to that, he spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. With the last seven year of his career, identifying the required manning in each career field to aid in developing the Air Force's and Department of Defense's annual budgets.
Zach consults with clients to navigate the Employee Benefits landscape by evaluating plan designs, implementing/educating new wellness programs, handling complex benefit issues and service challenges, and ultimately, acting as the best liaison between clients and insurance carriers.
Jeff assists Minnesota and Wisconsin school districts in developing financial solutions that improve and enrich the regions’ learning communities. Prior to joining Ehlers, he was Director of Fiscal Affairs with Winona School District for eight years. He also served as the Financial Director for three different Wisconsin school districts.
Thom is a founder of the Public Employee Benefits Learning Community whose primary mission focused on helping public school district executives, labor leaders and administrators understand, differentiate and make choices among the various health plan operating model options that were best aligned with all stakeholders’ mission, vision and values including self-funding, fully insured, cooperative and statewide risk pools
Tim Sullivan is a shareholder of Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney. He advises Minnesota municipalities (including cities, counties, and school districts) in all areas of litigation, employment, and labor law. He has substantial experience negotiating and drafting labor agreements and other contracts. He has successfully represented clients in both interest and grievance arbitration. He has also conducted dozens of employment investigations, and has successfully represented clients in state and federal district and appellate courts. Tim graduated Summa Cum Laude from Hamline Law School in 2010, and was the recipient of the M. Arnold Lyons Award, awarded for graduating first in his law school class. Prior to joining Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, Tim was a law clerk for the Saint Paul law firm of Dudley & Smith, P.A. Tim is currently the Board Liaison for the Governmental Liability Committee of the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association.
Nick Taintor is currently the director of business services at Orono Public Schools in Long Lake, Minnesota. Prior to joining Orono Public Schools in May 2024, Mr. Taintor held the role of Director of the School Services group at Creative Planning Business Services since 2020. Prior to assuming the Director role, Nick served as a Senior Advisor for 11 years to school clients.
Heather is a Senior Analytics Advisor, Team Lead with Frontline Education, where she assists districts with projects like long range financial projections, negotiations, benchmarking and provides strategic guidance on various financial tools. Prior to working at Frontline Education, Heather spent 7.5 years with AonHewitt supporting the delivery of Health and Welfare benefits to large market clients and 2.5 years at Ernst & Young as an Actuarial Associate focusing on audit support and claims reserve modeling. She received a Bachelor’s in Actuarial Science and Statistics from Purdue University and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Chicago.
Darryn Thiessen is the Owner and Strategic-Partner at Schooley Mitchell. With 25 years of executive leadership in manufacturing and distribution (GM, Director, VP roles), he excels in problem-solving, relationship building, and advocating economic solutions for public schools. A proud father of three (ages 11, 13, 14).
Dan Tranter is the supervisor of the Indoor Air Unit at the Minnesota Department of Health. He has been with the Indoor Air Unit since 2001 and has a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of Minnesota. The Indoor Air Unit conducts research, education and outreach concerning indoor air quality, especially radon, mold and carbon monoxide. Unit staff also regulate smoking in public places, air quality in enclosed sports arenas, and radon professional licensure.
Jim began his career as an auditor and has worked in several positions throughout his successful career. This includes District Account at Hopkins Schools, Controller at Orono Public Schools, and Director of Business Services at Osseo Public Schools, Spring Lake Park Schools, Wayzata Schools, and Orono Public Schools.
William is a Senior Manager of Brady Martz practicing as a Certified Public Accountant with an emphasis in the audit area. He has over seventeen years of experience with government auditing and single audit experience with an emphasis in providing auditing and accounting services to a wide range of industries including governmental, non-profit, and various other industries. Included in the governmental audits are School Districts, Cities, Water Districts, Housing Authorities, and Tribal Entities, most of which are subject to single audits.
Session levels are indicated by Any Level or Experienced Professional
CPE Credits from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) are offered for select sessions, and have a “CPE” designation after the title. Credits from the Minnesota Board of School Administrators will continue to be provided for the full conference.
Items on the agenda marked with an asterisk (*) are included for booth representatives as part of their exhibit booth registration. Tickets for booth representatives to attend other conference events can be purchased separately.
| Wednesday, May 7 | |
|---|---|
| 8:00am-5:00pm | Registration
|
| 9:00am-12:00pm |
Certification Course: Special Education Finance (separate registration required) |
| 10:00-11:30am |
Optional Pre-Session |
| 10:00-11:45am |
Leadership Academy (by invitation only) |
| 11:15am-12:30pm | Lunch & Opening Announcements
|
| 12:40-2:30pm |
Gold Mine Sessions Debunking Myths About Cooperative Purchasing Contracts (Any level) Indoor Air Hazards: Guidelines and Requirements (Newer to the Topic) Literacy Aid Bucket Brigade (Any level) Helping Employees Become Better Medical Consumers with the Use of HSA and VEBA Accounts (Any level) LTFM: Advanced Session (Experienced Professional) MEGS in Relation to Special Ed and ESEA (Title Programs) (Any level) Cybersecurity Essentials for K-12: Insights and Tools from CISA (Any level) Build and Save! Understanding and Maximizing Energy Incentive Credits for School Districts (Experienced Professional) |
| 2:30-2:50pm | Break
|
| 2:50-4:40pm |
School District Cost Containment Analysis: Non-Wage/Benefit Areas (Any level) Financial Strength and Stability: Key Metrics to Watch (Any level) Best Value Procurement Process (Any level) Governmental Accounting and Auditing Update (Any level) Public Employee Benefits Learning Community Emerging Issues (Any level) Evaluating New Revenues: Operating Referendum vs. Capital Project Levy (Any level) Heart of Leadership (Any level) MN Educator Workforce Dashboard (Any level) |
| 4:40-4:50pm | Gold Mine Session Questions with Presenters
|
| 4:45-5:15pm | New Member Meeting
|
| 4:45-5:30pm |
Membership Committee Meeting |
| 6:00-9:00pm | The Great MASBO Gathering Reconnect with your peers and to celebrate our first night in Duluth! The evening includes dinner and activities to bring us together as we begin the conference. |
| Thursday, May 8 | |
| 7:00am-5:00pm | Registration
|
| 7:30-8:30am | Leadership Academy Breakfast (by invitation only)
|
| 8:30-9:45am |
General Session Keynote – Managing Burnout: Strategies for a Happy, Healthy and High-Performing Workplace |
| 9:45-10:00am | Break
|
| 10:00-10:50am |
Breakout Sessions MSBA Hot Topics (Any Level) Reverse Session (Any Level) Have You Tried AI? Artificial Intelligence for the Beginner (Newer to the Topic) Leading Change CPE (Any Level) Influencing Beyond Authority (Any Level) Achievement and Integration Funding and UFARS Coding CPE (Any Level) State Demographic Update (Any Level)
|
| 10:00-11:30am | Retiree Gathering |
| 10:50-11:00am | Break
|
| 11:00-11:50am |
Breakout Sessions UFARS Hot Topics (Any Level) Safe and Sound: Holistic Design Strategies for Safer Schools (Any Level) GASB 101: Compensated Absences CPE (Newer to the Topic) SECURE 2.0 Provisions Impacting School Districts and Employees (Any Level) Referendum Reset: Turning Community Opposition into Support After a Failed Referendum (Any Level) AI Phenomenon: A New Era of Risks Never Thought of Before CPE (Any Level) |
| 12:00-1:00pm | Awards Luncheon
|
| 1:10-2:00pm |
Peer Group Discussions |
| 2:00-4:00pm |
Trade Show* Join us for a dessert buffet while you visit with exhibitors, and pick up your walk/run shirts. |
| 5:00pm |
Wellness Walk/Run* Participate in a timed 5K run starting promptly at 5:00 or a take a stroll along the lake while networking. |
| 5:00-9:00pm |
Dine-Around Registered attendees receive a voucher to have dinner at select Duluth restaurants—a great chance to explore the city and enjoy great food! |
| 8:30pm-12:00am |
Social Event* Relax, enjoy music and network with colleagues. |
| Friday, May 9 | |
| 8:00am-9:00am | Registration
|
| 9:00-9:50am |
Breakout Sessions Delivering an Investment Update to the Public (Any Level) Payroll Liabilities: The Story Of (Newer to the Topic) Difficult Labor Relations: The Impact of New Legislation on Bargaining (Any Level) Property for Sale: The Disposition of Surplus (Non-Real Estate) School District Assets CPE (Any Level) Special Education Finance Updates CPE (Any Level) |
| 9:50-10:00am | Break
|
| 10:00-10:50am |
Breakout Sessions Fiscal Year (FY 27) Long-Term Facilities Maintenance (LTFM) Plan Review of the 10-Year Expenditures and Revenues Categories (Any Level) Financial Analysis and Strategies for Budget Reductions CPE (Any Level) Hot Topics in Technology (Any Level) Employer-Based Retirement Financial Literacy Strategies Attract, Retain, and Engage Employees (Any Level) Summer Levy (Any Level) The Ethics of Trusted Leadership CPE (Any Level) Driving Success: Reducing Chronic Absenteeism with Safe and Reliable Transportation (Any Level)
|
| 10:50-11:00am | Break
|
| 11:00-11:50am |
Breakout Sessions Artificial Intelligence Working Session (Newer to the Topic) Should You Be Concerned About Arbitrage? CPE (Any Level) Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) 2026 Is Coming up Faster Than You Think (Any Level) Career Technical Education (Any Level) |
| 11:50am-12:30pm | Grab and Go Lunch, Prize Drawing, Conference Adjourns |
*For Annual Conference, we are only allowing single registrations to ensure we are collecting all information required from each attendee. If you have any questions please reach out to info@mnasbo.org.
|
Member Type |
Standard Rate |
Late Rate |
| Active or Sponsoring/Exhibiting Associate Member | $290 | $325 |
| Lifetime Member | $100 | $100 |
| Student Member | $100 | $100 |
| Non-member Active (School) | $360 | $400 |
| Associate Member (Not Sponsoring/Exhibiting) |
$450 | $500 |
| Non-Member Associate (Business) | $575 | $625 |
Conference registration includes:
Note: Be prepared to select sessions during the registration process.
Guest ticket for Wednesday Night & Thursday Night Events and Thursday Lunch: $90
Retired Members - Join us to celebrate our 75th Anniversary with a special ticket package. Click here for details
MASBO Member: $60
Non-member: $85
Requires separate registration
Register for Certification Course
Attendees registering for this event are agreeing to this Registration Agreement.
Prepayment Required: All registrations must be accompanied by full payment/purchase order to reserve your place at the event.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received by the MASBO office at least 5 business days prior to the event are eligible for a refund of the registration fee, less a $25 processing fee. No refunds will be provided for cancellations received fewer than 5 business days prior to the event. No-shows will be billed for any unpaid registration fees.
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.
Special Education Finance
Paul Ferrin, Minnesota Department of Education
Total Credits: 3.0 including 3 Board of School Administrators Credit(s), 3 MASBO Credit(s)
Cost: $85 - Non-members; $60 - Members
Register for Certification Course
This course will be presented in person, but it will be recorded for those not able to attend. Registration for the recorded course will be available after May 15.
Description:
This session will take an in-depth, hands-on look at the three primary reports associated with Minnesota special education funding:
LocationDuluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC)
350 Harbor Drive
Duluth, MN
The conference will be held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). conveniently located in beautiful Canal Park. The Visit Duluth website has many links to different experiences, restaurants, itinerary ideas, and other helpful information.
The conference will be held May 7-9, 2025. The conference kicks off on Wednesday, May 7, with an optional pre-session and certification course in the morning and officially starts with lunch. After sessions and the trade show on Thursday, May 8, the conference concludes on Friday with morning breakouts and lunch.
All conference events and activities, other than the Thursday evening Duluth Dine Around Dinner and the networking event, will be held at the DECC. Canal Park hotels are within an easy, short walk to the DECC. MASBO provides a conference shuttle between the DECC and Canal Park hotels during key conference passing times. Many of the conference hotels have their own shuttle service available as well, and parking is available at the DECC for just $10 a day, if you prefer to drive.
Each of the following hotels has a room block for the conference. The conference hotels offer a range of amenities and price points to accommodate the needs of all MASBO members. If you are making your reservation by phone, request the MASBO room block to receive our discounted room rate.
Important: If you are using a credit card that does not have your name on it, the hotels require a signed authorization form at check-in.
MASBO has also secured limited room blocks at the following hotels.
|
SOLD OUT Canal Park Lodge $139-$149/night Block Closes: May 6, 2025 |
SOLD OUT Hampton Inn Duluth Canal Park $169-$194/night |
SOLD OUT Lift Bridge Lodge (Formerly Comfort Suites) $165-195/night Block Closes: April 4, 2025 Includes complimentary breakfast |
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SOLD OUT Inn on Lake Superior $161-$194/night If you need a credit card authorization form, please request it when making your reservation and the hotel will send it to you directly. |
Hotel is sold out for the night of 5/8 $129-$199/night |
Pier B $189-$209/night |
Experience some of Duluth’s best restaurants during this dinner-on-your-own, included as part of your conference registration.
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Canal Park Brewery Grandma's Saloon* Little Angie's Cantina* Pizza Luce* |
Dubh Linn Irish Pub Lyric Kitchen & Bar* Fitger's Brewhouse* |
*Restaurant accepts reservations.
MASBO Credits: 9
Approved administrative continuing education credits are available for most MASBO conferences, workshops and professional development programs. To receive credit, registered attendees must attend the full event, and will be emailed a link to the certificate of credit.
Board of School Administrators Credits: 9
The Minnesota Association of School Business Officials is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.NASBARegistry.org.
The instructional delivery method for all sessions is group live, and no prerequisites or advance preparations are necessary for participation, unless otherwise indicated. All may attend. To receive credit for CPE-eligible education sessions, attendees must be registered conference attendees and wearing a conference name badge, must verify attendance at the beginning and end of the session, and complete the session evaluation. The session moderator will maintain the log during the session. Qualified attendees will get access to their certificate in their Learning Center account.
