Total Credits: 9 including 9 MASBO Credit(s), 9 CPE Credits, 9 BOSA Credit
Tags: Events Fall Conference
Your registration for the 2025 Fall Conference includes two days of in-person learning and networking plus all on-demand Encore sessions. There are eight Encore sessions—some are recorded sessions from the conference, while others are only being presented as on-demand webinars. This gives you the flexibility to maximize your time while at the conference, while also having access to sessions on your own time.
Agenda at a Glance |
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| Thursday, November 6 | |
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| 7:30am-4:30pm | Registration |
| 7:45-8:30am | New Member Welcome Breakfast |
| 8:30-10:00am | Opening Session & Keynote |
| 10:20-11:30am | Breakout Sessions |
| 11:30am-12:20pm | Lunch |
| 12:30-1:20pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 1:30-2:20pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 2:30-3:20pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 3:30-4:30pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 4:30-5:30pm | Committee Meetings |
| 7:00-8:30pm | Twilight Talks |
| Friday, November 7 | |
| 7:45am-1:30pm | Registration |
| 8:30-9:20am | Breakout Sessions |
| 9:30-10:20am | Breakout Sessions |
| 10:40-11:30am | Breakout Sessions |
| 11:30am-12:30pm | Lunch |
| 12:30-1:20pm | Peer Group Discussions |
| 1:30-2:20pm | Breakout Sessions |
| Tuesday, November 11 – On-Demand Sessions Available | |
Tyler Moberg
AI Learning Specialist & Owner – Amplified Impact, LLC
AI can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This dynamic keynote empowers participants to see AI as a practical thought partner that supports smarter decisions, faster workflows, and stronger collaboration. Through real-world examples and engaging storytelling, Tyler Moberg helps participants discover how AI fits their role, even if they're not "tech people."
Be sure to join us in “The Hive” for our new member breakfast from 7:45-8:30am on Thursday, and for special seating at lunch.
Stop by the hotel lobby from 7:00-8:30pm on Thursday for conversation and connecting! Cathy Erickson and Tiffany Gustin will once again lead engaging conversation about all things school finance at the “Twilight Talks.”
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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.
Before becoming CEO of 4MATIV in 2018, Carl was COO/CFO for the Harvest Network of Schools in Minneapolis. From 2014-2017, he was a Vice President at Transdev, an international multi-modal transportation operator and manager. From 2010-2014, Carl served Boston Public Schools as Director of Transportation, transporting 32,000 students with a fleet of 750 vehicles. Carl has a Master of Public Policy and Urban Planning degree from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and was a Peace Corps Volunteer high school math teacher in Ghana. Carl holds engineering degrees from Northwestern University and lives with his wife and three children in Saint Paul.
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 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.
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.
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.
Darin Graf is a fiscal monitor who joined the Minnesota Department of Education in 2010. Before that, he worked at Target headquarters. He holds a degree in Accounting from Metro State University, a degree in Economics from Hamline University, and he enjoys guiding schools navigate complex fiscal regulations.
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.
Luke Jannett is the Acquisitions Manager for the State of Minnesota Office of State Procurement. Luke is responsible for directing the state’s procurement section that acquires goods and services. The Office of State Procurement is charged with statutory oversight of the state’s executive branch contracting as well as manages cooperative purchasing on behalf of Minnesota’s local units of government and customers from government organizations across the country.
Abbi is a shareholder with Squires, Waldspurger & Mace, P.A. Abbi received her B.A. in economics and political science with highest honors from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School. Abbi focuses her practice on all areas of school law, municipal law, labor and employment, environmental law and land use, litigation, and investigations and serves school districts, charter schools, municipalities, and counties. Abbi is admitted to practice in federal and state courts in Minnesota.
Stephen Knutson serves as general legal counsel for many Minnesota school districts in all areas, including public sector employment, employee discipline and discharge, reductions in force, unfair labor practices, discrimination, student discipline, student rights, data privacy, open meeting law, competitive bidding and public contracting, special education, construction and litigation. Mr. Knutson has successfully represented school districts through all phases of litigation, including administrative hearings, state and federal courts in Minnesota and the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.
John has over a decade of investment and financial services experience helping clients navigate the financial markets. Before joining ADM in 2017, he held Financial Advisor positions with national wealth management firms. He has partnered with more than 80 school districts across the Midwest to manage bond proceeds for capital projects totaling more than $2 billion. John is a registered Municipal Advisor Principal and a Certified Public Funds Investment Manager (CPFIM) and holds a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.
Jim represents public and private sector employers in a broad scope of employment and labor law issues. With legal experience and experience as a human resources professional, Jim brings a practical approach to help clients achieve their objectives. Areas of practice include employment contracts, severance agreements, employee handbooks and policies, wage/hour law, discrimination, employee discipline, non-compete agreements, Minnesota Data Practices Act, Minnesota Veterans’ Preference Act, collective bargaining, unfair labor practice defense, administration and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements, grievance arbitration and investigations of employee misconduct.
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.
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.
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.
As General Counsel of Aviben and EFS Advisors, Trent Pepper (J.D., MBA) helps oversee the organizations’ legal affairs and leads various process improvement initiatives. Prior to joining Aviben and EFS Advisors, Trent served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of one of the nation’s largest nonprofit senior living providers, worked as an attorney in private practice, and clerked on the Minnesota Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Trent enjoys spending time with his family and being active in his children’s school and in the community.
Dr. Lana Peterson is the Director of the Data Practices and Analytics Division for the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). The Data Practices and Analytics team advances MDE’s mission by supporting meaningful, appropriate, and equitable uses of quality data in decision making. The team co-builds and utilizes state-wide data systems, guides data governance practices and principles, strengthens capacity for appropriate and equitable data usage within schools and MDE program areas, and provides research and data analysis to meet the needs of the department.
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.
Bridgette has been with MDE for 13 years. Although that entire timeframe has been with special education fiscal monitoring, she has also worked with one-time funding sources such as Ed Jobs, CARES, CRSSA, and ARP/ESSER.
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.
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.
Vola Wiens is a special education fiscal monitor. She joined MDE in October of 2015. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and holds the Certified Fraud Examiner designation. In her role, she helps subrecipients to understand the importance of having adequate internal controls in place to operate effectively.
Jodie is a Senior Municipal Advisor who joined Ehlers’ Education Finance Team in 2009. She previously served 15 years as the Director of Financial Operations for the South Washington County School District. Her first-hand knowledge of district financial operations gives her unique insight into referendum planning, tax impacts and debt issuance for education projects.
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.
Sessions with introductory level content are indicated with "101" in the title. Some of the sessions will also be recorded to be viewed on-demand following the conference and are indicated with "Also recorded for on-demand viewing" after the session title.
| Presentation handouts will be added as they are available. | |
Thursday, November 6 |
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7:30am-4:30pm |
Registration |
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7:45am-8:30am |
New Member Welcome Breakfast |
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8:30am-9:00am |
General Session, Welcome and Updates |
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9:00am-10:00am |
Opening Session & Keynote Empowering Professionals with AI: Practical Tools and Techniques for Exceptional Results
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10:00am-10:20am |
Break |
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10:20am-11:30am |
Breakout Sessions Apply the CRAFT: AI Integration Lab MN Paid Family Medical Leave: Recent Updates and Key Compliance Considerations UFARS (CPE) – Also recorded for on-demand viewing
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11:30am-12:20pm |
Lunch |
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12:30pm-1:20pm |
Breakout Sessions Special Ed Update (CPE) Department of Labor Update – Also recorded for on-demand viewing Persevering and Prospering in Adverse Moments: Strategies and Solutions Optimizing Student Transportation
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1:20pm-1:30pm |
Break |
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1:30pm-2:20pm |
Breakout Sessions School Finance 101 – Also recorded for on-demand viewing Understanding and Managing Risk in Public Fund Investing (CPE) MASMS: A Tool for Your Building and Grounds Department Toolbox! Understanding and Navigating Minnesotas ESST
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2:20pm-2:30pm |
Break |
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2:30pm-3:20pm |
Breakout Sessions Special Ed Update - Co-ops and Intermediates Integrating Data from Schools and Districts through Ed-Fi Strategies for Financial Management in Upcoming Employee Contract Negotiations Cycles (CPE) Connect Rather Than Divide Conversations
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| 3:20pm-3:30pm | Break |
| 3:30pm-4:30pm |
Breakout Sessions SpEd Fiscal Monitoring: Common Noncompliance and Tips for Improvement (CPE) Taking Care of Your People Strategic Employee Benefits Literacy Initiatives From Boring to Brilliant: Navigating Fixed Income and the AI Frontier in School Finance
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3:30pm-5:00pm |
Leadership Academy – By invitation only |
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4:30pm-5:30pm |
Committee Meetings
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7:00pm-8:30pm |
Twilight Talks
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Friday, November 7 |
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7:45am-1:30pm |
Registration |
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8:30am-9:20am |
Breakout Sessions Reverse Session Defined Contribution Retiree HRA & OPEB Restructuring & ICHRAs Understanding AIA Agreement Truth in Taxation: Talking Taxes with Your Community (CPE)
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9:20am-9:30am |
Break |
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9:30am-10:20am |
Breakout Sessions Contracted Student Placements, Tuition Billing for Care and Treatment and Special Pupils (CPE) Human Resources Legal Update Breaking the Cycle of Band-Aid Fixes: Roseville's Long-Range Facilities Roadmap State Purchasing Update
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10:20am-10:40am |
Break |
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10:40am-11:30am |
Breakout Sessions SEDRA (CPE) Supercharge Your Productivity: Habits for Success and Sanity in the Whirlwind Discipline and Terminations School Security
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11:30am-12:30pm |
Lunch |
| 12:30pm-1:20pm |
Peer Group Discussions Join in on this facilitated conversation with other members--learn from each other, share information and strategies and tap into the collective knowledge of MASBO members.
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1:20pm-1:30pm |
Break |
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1:30pm-2:20pm |
Breakout Sessions State SPED Revenue: Maximizing Your State Aid (CPE) Keep Calm and Crunch the Numbers TRA Employer Overview |
These sessions were presented in-person and also have been recorded.
Speaker: Deb Meier, Education Finance Specialist II – Minnesota Department of Education
This session will discuss FY25 UFARS Codes, FY26 UFARS Codes, which include updates from the 2025 legislative session, and various UFARS accounting reminders.
Speaker: Cathy Erickson, Director of School Finance – Minnesota Department of Education
School finance rocks! Want to know why? This session will provide a foundation for understanding how it all works—perfect for those new to their roles in school finance, as well as for those in other roles who want to gain a basic understanding.
Speaker: Dave Skovholt, Labor Standards Education and Engagement Administrator – Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
This session will provide information on new Minnesota meal and rest break requirements and recent ESST updates in addition to most common questions and mistakes seen by the Department of Labor.
These additional sessions were not presented in-person.
Speaker: Jake Andrist, Sales Manager – The Retrofit Companies, Inc.
In 2024, Minnesota became the 9th state to ban the sale of mercury lighting. This ban will take place over the next two years, starting January 1st, 2025 and continuing with phase 2 in January 2026. The impact of this ban, combined with rising utility costs, could financially burden many school districts if they have not yet upgraded to more efficient, LED technology. We'll discuss the impact of fluorescent lighting on students and staff, the Clean Lighting Bill, and the benefits to replace any remaining fluorescent lighting.
Speaker: Aaron Bushberger, Municipal Advisor – Ehlers; Jodie Zesbaugh, Senior Municipal Advisor – Ehlers
Now that Minnesota school districts are wrapping up the annual audit and levy, it is time to start planning for next year’s budget! Perfect for new Business Managers or those looking for a refresher, this session will explore the fundamentals of budget planning including timelines, key financial factors, best practices, and school board communication tips.
Speaker: Pamela Meade, President/CEO – Designs for Learning
This presentation explores the key financial differences between charter and traditional public schools, breaking down funding models, budgeting processes, and financial management strategies. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how charter schools navigate funding challenges, allocate resources, and maintain fiscal health especially those traditional schools.
Speaker: Amanda Edberg, CSP, EHS Lead – IEA, Inc.
Minnesota OSHA conducts more than 2,500 enforcement inspections each year, many of which are unannounced. How can you prepare for these inspections and minimize the financial impact of OSHA citations? This session will go through the inspection process and how your facility can ensure preparedness for a visit from MN OSHA.
Speaker: John Carlson, Chief Administrative Officer – Rochester Public Schools; Elleka Yost, Director of Advocacy and Research – ASBO Intl.
Times have changed, and it is more important than ever to be aware of federal issues and legislation impacting schools. Listen in on this conversation between Elleka and John to hear news, updates and what we might expect in the future.
MASBO Credits: 9
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.
Minnesota Board of School Administrator (BOSA) 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.
CPE Credits
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 under the Credit Tracker tab.
QR Code Scanning
The Fall Conference will feature QR Codes on your name badge. At each meeting room with a CPE course, there will be an iPad to scan your QR Code. You must scan in AND out to receive credit for the session attended and complete a paper session evaluation.
Please note that this is ONLY for CPE credits needed for CPA’s--MASBO and BOSA credits are assigned in the same way as in the past, and do not require using the QR code sign-in process.
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The conference will be held at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest. If you are attending the in-person event, the following lodging option is available:
Minneapolis Marriott Northwest
7025 Northland Drive N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
763-536-8300
Hotel Website
A block of rooms have been reserved for November 5 and 6. Online registration is available using this link. You can also reserve your room by calling 877-303-1681. Mention the MASBO event when you book when you call.
The special room rate of $159 (plus applicable state and occupancy taxes) per night for single or double occupancy will be available until October 13, 2025, or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first.
If you are staying at the hotel and using a school credit card without your name on it, you must complete a third party authorization form.
| Availability | Module Title | Speaker | Credits | Course Type | Duration | Course Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 06, 2025 @ 08:00 AM (CST) |
2025 Fall Conference (Live Event)
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Total Credits: 9 including 9 Board of School Administrators Credit(s) , 9 MASBO Credit(s) | Live Event | 2 In-Person Days | More info » | |
| At the time of purchase |
2025 Fall Conference Encore: UFARs Update
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Total Credits: 1 including 1 MASBO Credit(s) | On Demand | N/A | More info » | |
| At the time of purchase |
2025 Fall Conference Encore: School Finance 101
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Total Credits: 1 including 1 MASBO Credit(s) | On Demand | N/A | More info » | |
| At the time of purchase |
2025 Fall Conference Encore: Department of Labor Update
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Total Credits: 1 including 1 MASBO Credit(s) | On Demand | N/A | More info » | |
| At the time of purchase |
2025 Fall Conference Encore: Minnesota's Clean Lighting Bill and the Financial Impact for School Districts
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Total Credits: 1 including 1 MASBO Credit(s) | On Demand | N/A | More info » | |
| At the time of purchase |
2025 Fall Conference Encore: Dollars & Sense: An Introduction to School District Budgeting
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Total Credits: 1 including 1 MASBO Credit(s) | On Demand | N/A | More info » | |
| At the time of purchase |
2025 Fall Conference Encore: Demystifying Charter Schools: Charter vs. Traditional School Finance
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Total Credits: 1 including 1 MASBO Credit(s) | On Demand | N/A | More info » | |
| At the time of purchase |
2025 Fall Conference Encore: OSHA Inspection: Is Your Facility Prepared?
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Total Credits: 1 including 1 MASBO Credit(s) | On Demand | N/A | More info » | |
| At the time of purchase |
2025 Fall Conference Encore: Federal Legislative Update
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Total Credits: 1 including 1 MASBO Credit(s) | On Demand | N/A | More info » |
