Green Light: Developing Below-Grade Facilities That Solve Your Dilemmas
Michael Saxenian, Sidwell Friends School, James Wilson, JFW, Inc., and Roland Lemke, Cannon Design
School officials face ongoing and increasing demands to develop academic and athletic facilities that modernize campuses and strengthen enrollment, while still preserving green space, implementing sustainability measures, and benefitting the community. See how one school implemented a six-phase master plan to achieve these goals, and explored the physical manifestation of the institution's commitment to a sustainable strategy. School business officers will leave with a unique perspective on the economic viability of developing below-grade facilities, and a greater grasp on steps they can take to increase sustainability at their own schools.
Creating a Paperless Business Office
Fred Colson, Emma Willard School, Scott Spence, Tuition Management Systems, and Stacy Skitol, Infosnap, Inc.
Is the nirvana of the paperless office achievable? One school says it is. By teaming up with two companies, the school has moved completely and successfully to paperless applications, contracts, and permission forms, as well as a state-of-the-art online bill payment system. Examine a total e-solution to maximize your business office’s efficiency: from enrollment contracts all the way through bill production. Adopting this method will allow your staff to find time to focus on other job responsibilities while still providing families with the customer service they expect and deserve.
Advanced Wage and Hour Issues for Independent Schools
Donna Williamson, Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
Many business officers have begun auditing their workforces to determine if their schools are in compliance with federal and state laws regarding wage and hour issues. Get an in-depth tutorial on some of the most common, yet misunderstood, areas of the law. Cover the proper classification of independent contractors, permissible payments and benefits for volunteers, when work is de minimis and therefore not subject to payment. Learn how to determine the regular rate of pay when a part-time employee is working at two or more rates, and the nuances that may determine whether an employee is truly exempt.
A Way Through the Maze: Navigating External Financial Reporting Requirements
Kathleen Grogan, Hood & Strong LLP
External financial reporting requirements continue to increase their impact on how a school may be evaluated by the external users of its financial statements. Donors, lenders, and other constituents will be covered while hearing explanations (in plain English!) of what your auditors will be discussing with you as you prepare for your 2011 financial statement audits. Leave with samples of financial statement disclosures as well as other resources that will guide you through the maze of financial reporting as well as help you explain it to your trustees and others.
Gender, Sexuality, and Sustainability: What Every Business Officer Needs To Know
Jennifer Bryan, Ph.D.
As independent schools grapple with the multi-dimensional challenge of achieving sustainability in the 21st century, business officers are increasingly called upon to be cognizant of every aspect of school life. Gender and Sexuality Diversity (GSD) poses some of the most complex challenges in our communities. What are the issues involved in hiring a qualified employee who is transgender? What is the school’s policy regarding same-sex couples working as dorm parents? What is the best way to respond to parents who disapprove of a more inclusive GSD curriculum? Explore real-life, school-based scenarios—in a range of independent school settings—with thoughtfulness and humor.
Disruptive Innovation: A Conversation
Michael Horn, Innosight Institute
Engage in an interactive Q&A conversation with Michael Horn, author of the provocative book Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns. Discuss the themes from his keynote speech in greater depth, as well as explore other implications and opportunities from the theories of disruptive innovation—both from the educational and business model perspectives. This is a great chance for business officers to grapple with the challenges that the future of education brings to their jobs. Horn will also introduce other theories of innovation and examples in education not covered in his keynote session.
Are Bond Payments Threatening Your Financial Viability? A Refinancing Story
Jacquie (Rabinowitz) Robb, Sonoma Country Day School
Hear the case study of a Northern California school that went through a five-year series of efforts to refinance its debt with various potential lenders and under varying economic conditions. Discuss finding sources of capital, managing existing bondholders, communication and negotiating strategies, use of investment bankers, cost management, and due diligence. Learn how to communicate and negotiate with a diverse group of bondholders, determine and maintain a clear refinancing strategy, efficiently find sources of capital, evaluate different investment bankers, and manage costs. Discover how to maintain clear communication with constituents and stakeholders during the refinancing process.
The Strategic Triangle: Connecting the Head, Business Officer, and Board of Trustees
Jan Chiles, Northwest School, Will Hancock, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, and Olaf Jorgensen, Almaden Country School
Building a strategic partnership between the head of school and the business officer is crucial, yet often complex. Hear what works, what doesn't, and why both parties must see the relationship as central to fulfilling the mission of the school. After examining this foundational relationship, learn how this duo can work with the board and key trustees in developing the strategic partnership. The presenters—from all legs of the triangle—have used these practices to build working relationships in their own lives, and look forward to sharing their experiences and perspective.
NASBA Information
NBOA 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.learningmarket.org.