Promoting School Business Managers Brad Shortridge John Benedetti David Hill

What is the role of a School Business Manager A school business manager is a member of the administrative staff who helps to ensure the smooth operation of the school system. By working collaboratively within the school system, school business managers make a direct contribution to the effectiveness of the schools and the academic success of the students.

Areas of Responsibility Areas of responsibility include (but are not limited to): –Strategic and operational management of finances –Human resources –Facilities –Pupil Services (Transportation, Food service) –Staff development –Risk Management –Other duties as assigned

Finances Budgeting Provide financial advice Accounting Generating and monitoring revenue Administrating payroll services Obtaining, monitoring and costing insurance (commercial, medical/dental) Developing financial policy

Human Resources Managing the medical/dental plan Administering the SR125, HRA, Flex spending, and 403(b) plans Health and safety monitoring Staff development Providing financial input into all collective bargaining contracts Handling evaluations and employee discipline Worker’s compensation Insurance

Facilities Ensuring efficient use of utilities Managing the cleanliness, safety, security and repair of the buildings Ensuring that the grounds are maintained properly

Pupil Services Food service program –Vendors –Meals –Cash controls Transportation –Routes –Equipment –Personnel –Discipline

Risk Management Commercial Liability Insurance –Vendors/Renewals –Policy Limits/appraisal –Training staff Worker’s Compensation –Vendors/Renewals –Limits –Training staff/procedures –Managing – employee accidents

Importance of the role of School Business Manager The school business official, in most districts, wears many hats and a good SBM can provide the following benefits: –Allow leadership personnel to focus on teaching and learning –Maximize the efficiency of all financial operations, facilities, and other resources –Provides the leadership team with a different perspective –Play a vital role in the academic success of students

How do you promote yourself? As a school business manager you have four different subgroups that you must promote yourself to: –Board of Education –District (administration, teachers, support staff) –Parents –Community Members How do you promote yourself to these different groups?

Promoting yourself to the Board of Education As the School Business Manager, you are the financial expert in the District. Tools to use for promoting yourself include: –Audits (MD&A, financials) –Budgets/Levies (Finance Committee participation) –Monthly Treasurer Reports –Bill Listing explanation memos –Cost savings measures –Keep list of accomplishments/achievements (e.g. cost saving measures, etc…) Transparency is the key!

Promoting yourself to the Administration and Staff As the School Business Manager, you are the financial expert in the District. Tools to use for promoting yourself include: –Monthly reports that illustrate budgeted vs. actual expenditures (discuss line items that are over expended) –Show how what you do benefits students- (e.g. funding for textbook adoption, materials, etc…) –Communicate the financial status of the District to provide understanding –Listen to questions/comments and provide rationale for decisions –Transparency is the Key!

Promoting yourself to Parents and the Community As the School Business Manager, you are the financial expert in the District. Tools to use for promoting yourself include: –Articles in the local papers –Documents in the district website –Finance 101 Course –Communicate the financial status of the District –Document cost savings measures –Listen to questions/comments and provide rationale for decisions –Transparency is the Key!

Promoting yourself for the next step in your career If the time comes that you either want another challenge or you need a change it is important that you have positioned yourself for that next opportunity. Tools to use for promoting yourself include: –Active involvement in the IASBO organization –Present at conferences –Foster collegial relationships with SBM’s, Superintendents, vendors –Network These items will allow you to make a positive name for yourself so when that opportunity presents itself you will be ready!

Audience Involvement What are some things that you have done to promote yourself? What are some things that you have seen in the past that you would like to incorporate? Questions