2021 Virtual WASBO Accounting Conference

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2021 Virtual WASBO Accounting Conference

We've taken our traditional conference virtual by extending our conference to three days filled with sessions on school district financial and business office topics. Since we are all virtual, you can now obtain the recorded content even if you missed the conference! Terry shared how a lottery ticket, a hot dog, and Bigfoot foiled the largest lottery fraud in US history. Everyone from veteran business managers and district administrators to new bookkeepers can benefit from this professional development opportunity. Attendees can expect to receive innovative ideas, timely instruction, maximum learning value and relevant advice on the issues facing school business offices today.

Did you miss the conference? Register by April 24 to receive access to all conference recordings!

For those new to the profession, this conference features sessions from the Year of Success Program. Get even more out of your experience by networking with your peers and sharing stories and advice.

No need to worry about which concurrent session to attend, all sessions will be recorded and made available to registrants on their WASBO profile as well as in the WASBO Go App following the conference!

Visit the Conference at a Glance link for a complete schedule or click on the sessions below for descriptions.

DPI Spring Finance Workshop & WISEdata Finance

Spend an hour getting the ins and outs of what's coming your way from the School Finance Team, as well as a full hour dedicated to WISEdata Finance.

WASBO p-Card User Group Meeting

Does your district use the WASBO p-Card or are you considering implementation of a procurement card? Again this year the p-Card User Group is being incorporated as part of the conference on March 19. Sessions were recorded, so you don't have to miss out!

Additional Materials and Information

To register please sign in or click the create a new account link in the area to the right. If you are a WASBO member or have previously attended a WASBO conference, your User Name is your email address. If you don't recall your password, click the Forgot My Password link to the right to reset it.

Be sure to click the orange Save Responses button below before you Proceed to Checkout.

When registering others, please make sure to search for their name(s) under "Select an existing contact" before creating a new profile for them. It may take a few moments to load.

When

3/17/2021 - 3/19/2021

Where

Virtual

Program

Select programs by

Wednesday, 17 March 2021

Description
Conference Welcome Time 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM 10:45 AM
The $80 Billion Gamble Terry Rich will share a true crime story that is too crazy to believe. It has been featured in the New York Times, CNBC's "American Greed" CBS, ABC and a book titled "The $80 Billion Gamble". Hear the inside details from the person who helped bust the fraud. You will leave with: A sense of pride for overseeing compliance and internal fraud; Little-known details about an international well-known US lottery case and an Understanding of why it's important to "Do the Right Thing". Time 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 11:00 AM
Afternoon Break Time 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM 12:00 PM
DPI Spring Finance Workshop Information related to a variety of school finance related topics, including public reporting of ESSA school level expenditures, a review of what’s coming up this spring, and changes with the DPI School Financial Services Team. Time 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM 12:15 PM
Afternoon Break Time 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM 1:15 PM
Spring at a Glance: Budget Adjustments Review upcoming DPI School Finance Team report due dates and critical activities for the spring months ahead, including making adjustments to your PI-1504 Budget Report. Learn where to find pertinent information on the SFS Team’s website. Track Year of Success Time 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM 1:30 PM
Smarter School Spending: One District's Journey This session will share the GFOA's Smarter School Spending model framework and philosophy, the resources available, and the School District of Fort Atkinson's journey since joining the Alliance for Excellence in School Budgeting in 2015. Time 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM 1:30 PM
Understanding Financial Statements Governments are fundamentally different from for-profit businesses and therefore require different accounting and financial reporting standards to meet the needs of its stakeholders. In this session, we will discuss those differences, the financial reporting model for governments and the role of the business manager in the preparation and review of the annual financial statements. This session is geared toward new business managers or those new to governmental accounting and reporting. Time 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM 1:30 PM
Afternoon Break Time 2:15 PM - 2:30 PM 2:15 PM
Process of a Single Audit Are you a new business manager who has never been through a single audit, a business manager who is at a district that has never been through a single audit, or a business manager that has been through a single audit but it was years ago? This session will go through the basics of the single audit process and the additional audit procedures expected in addition to the traditional audit procedures. This will be a broad overview of what districts can expect when going through a single audit. We will not get into specifics of individual programs since programs tested at each district will differ. Track Year of Success Time 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM 2:30 PM
Real World Business Ethics for School Districts Everyone wants to do the right thing and act ethically. Is it really that simple? Join this panel of presenters to discuss, “What would you do?” when applying business ethics using real life experiences in the operations of your school district. Time 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM 2:30 PM
Credit Rating Methodology, Metrics & Medians Experts from Moody’s and S&P will go over what goes into calculating a rating. Additionally, Michele Wiberg, a Municipal Advisor for Wisconsin school districts, will provide insight on some key rating characteristics that can be influenced by strong financial management from the business office. Time 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM 2:30 PM
Excel Tips This session will focus on how we can rely on Excel to accomplish major tasks in the school business office. We will look at creating actionable data by way of using vlookups, index functions, and pivot tables. These three features are amongst the most powerful Excel features, and a better understanding of these features can empower a business manager to make better decisions with any set of data. Particular attention will be paid towards practical examples. We will look at working with various Excel-based data sets, including data from the DPI SFS website and payroll & expenditure data. This session will be good for both beginners and those with significant Excel experience. Time 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM 2:30 PM
Afternoon Break Time 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM 3:15 PM
Special Education Fiscal Auditing This year, Wisconsin schools will split over $384 million in state special education aid. How do auditors help DPI ensure those funds are shared equitably? What issues have come up over the past year? This session will address these questions and walk through the what, how, and why of the state Special Education Audit Program. Track Year of Success Time 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM 3:30 PM
Year-to-Date Budget and Compensation Analysis Do you ever wonder if you will be over or under budget at the end of the year? Did you budget enough in salary and benefits this year? Do you wonder how to determine salary equity for your hourly and salary staff? This session will focus on how to analyze your data in Excel in easy and meaningful ways with an emphasis on practicality. Time 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM 3:30 PM
Google Tips & Tricks for Accounting This session is geared for those who want to develop their skills within the Google suite. Topics covered in this session include Google Email (Gmail), Google Drive and Google Sheets. We will also show the power of the Google Omnibox (Google’s search box). Our goal is that you will walk away with 2-3 new ideas from each topic to help create efficiency in your day to day work. This session will provide you an opportunity to actively participate. Please bring a device and follow along. Time 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM 3:30 PM
Daily Wrap Up & Peer Share Out Time 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM 4:15 PM

Thursday, 18 March 2021

Description
Welcome Time 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM 10:45 AM
WISEdata Finance is Coming! This fall DPI is launching our next-generation financial reporting system, WISEdata Finance. What is it? How does it work? Most importantly, what do you need to do to get started? Find answers to these questions and more from the DPI School Financial Services Team. Get a head start now to avoid headaches in November! Time 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 11:00 AM
Afternoon Break Time 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM 12:00 PM
GASB 87 Learn about the new lease standards and their impact on your School District reports. Time 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM 12:15 PM
Processes & Procedures for Handling Money in Schools More money flows through school offices than most people realize. How these funds are managed and accounted for is critical. Learn how one school district put in place effective policies and procedures to ensure funds are handled effectively, efficiently and with accountability. Learn what research says about principals’ preparedness to handle the financial responsibilities of their jobs and take away valuable ideas for protecting your principals, their secretaries, the financial assets that pass through your school offices every day, and your district’s reputation. Time 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM 12:15 PM
Fringe Benefits: When is a Gift Not a Gift? Review tax requirements and best practices for providing additional employee compensation as well as wellness plan incentives and give aways. In this session specific situations will be reviewed with comments and feedback from the audience. The interactive session will provide discussion and a quality learning experience for everyone. Walk away with tips regarding the do’s and don’ts of offering additional compensation or cash-related benefits. Time 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM 12:15 PM
Afternoon Break Time 1:00 PM - 1:15 PM 1:00 PM
The Other Funds: Funds Other Than 10 & 27 Not sure whether you need to know about some of those ‘other’ funds that you don’t hear about as much as Funds 10 and 27? Attend this session to learn what these funds are used for and whether they would be appropriate for your district. Track Year of Success Time 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM 1:15 PM
GASB 84 Implementation and Round Table Discussion This session will showcase some of the GASB 84 implementation practices and reporting tools already being utilized by the presenting districts. Speakers will also review definitions of GASB 84 accounts and what constitutes application of this pronouncement. The first half will have individual presentations of each district's implementation tools and hiccups they may have experienced along the way. The second half of the time will be devoted to questions from session attendees. Bring your list of agency funds to see how you compare! Time 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM 1:15 PM
Importance of Timely Cash Reconciliation Has your auditor suggested that you refine your cash reconciliation processes? Are your balance sheet accounts drawing attention from DPI? Do you have multiple operating and investment accounts that are out of balance? Electronic transfers causing errors? This presentation will include examples of cash reconciliation issues and offer advice on how to best manage this responsibility so that entries are timely, errors are found quickly, and records are accurate. Time 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM 1:15 PM
Afternoon Break Time 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM 2:00 PM
Categorical Aids Most state school funding comes through equalization and other general aids, but not all! Wisconsin has a number of aid programs targeted at specific needs like special education, transportation, or school libraries. Some are automatic or formula-based; others require specific claims or reports. This session will try to help you make sense of these "categorical" programs. Track Year of Success Time 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM 2:15 PM
Navigating ADA, FMLA and Workers' Compensation This session provides a short legal overview and checklist every supervisor should have. Two districts will share their stories to help you understand the triggers that indicate you may be entering an FMLA, ADA or WC situation. Opportunity is provided for you to decide “What would I do?” in response to scenarios, network at your table and share your insights and experiences. Time 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM 2:15 PM
Medicaid in Your School - With PCG Public Consulting Group (PCG) is the vendor responsible for overseeing School-Based Medicaid on behalf of the Department of Health Services (DHS). This includes operating the quarterly Medicaid Administrative Claiming (MAC) and Annual Medicaid Cost Settlement programs. This session will focus on random moment time study completion, staff pool lists, reporting costs and calculations, and how to maintain a compliant Medicaid program in your school district. PCG will offer a live question and answer session. If you have questions you would like addressed at the session, please email [email protected] . Time 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM 2:15 PM
Preparing for the Audit Learn from two former school district auditors, now School District Business Officials. Learn the method to their madness on being prepared for year end and the audit. Obtain tools and tips to assist the Business Manager in having a positive audit experience. Time 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM 2:15 PM
Afternoon Break Time 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM 3:00 PM
General Session - Advocating for Your School District In this session, SAA Executive Director John Forester will discuss Governor Evers’ Executive Budget as it relates to K-12 education, preview the remainder of the 2021-23 state budget session and recap the SAA’s 2021-23 budget priorities. John will also leave time for question and answer. Time 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM 3:15 PM
Daily Wrap Up & Peer Share Out Time 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM 4:15 PM

Friday, 19 March 2021

Description
Selfcare & Setting Our Intention to Be Present Congratulations -- you've made it to Day 3! Join our morning kickoff for a little selfcare to help ground us for being present for each other and with ourselves to make the most of this very important day. Time 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM 8:30 AM
Morning Break Time 9:15 AM - 9:30 AM 9:15 AM
Maintenance of Effort A complicated and complex topic, this session will break down the IDEA regulation that requires LEAs to maintain local spending amounts on special education in exchange for the IDEA grant funds. This introductory session will walk audience members through the four comparison tests, the data that is used within the tests, and the responsibilities of the LEAs if all four comparison tests are not met. This session will focus on the regulations and understanding MOE compliance with a brief overview of the application housed within WISEgrants. Track Year of Success Time 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM 9:30 AM
Impact of Long-Term Declining Enrollment As of the 2020-21 school year, nearly 80% of Wisconsin’s 420+ school districts are facing declining enrollment. While this might be a recent development for some, many districts face sustained declining enrollment over a long period of time. This session will present three case studies of districts with long term enrollment decline and highlight strategies used and key decisions made to sustain quality learning. Time 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM 9:30 AM
The Foundations of Unemployment Insurance (Compensation) Law Attorney Shana R. Lewis of Strang Patteson Renning Lewis & Lacy, s.c., will review the Wisconsin laws, regulations, and procedures used to process Unemployment Insurance (Compensation) benefit claims submitted by Wisconsin public school district employees and independent contractors. She will also cover the impact of COVID-19 on Unemployment Insurance (Compensation) benefits in Wisconsin. Time 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM 9:30 AM
Morning Break Time 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM 10:15 AM
Open Enrollment: Overview and How Students are Funded Attend this session to learn the ins and outs of Open Enrollment, from the regular application period and the alternative application procedures for school districts, including the treatment of Open Enrolled pupils for General Aid and Revenue Limits. Track Year of Success Time 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM 10:30 AM
p-Card User Group Part 1 WASBO has over 140 school districts participating in the Purchasing Card Program and together these districts generated over $66 million in purchasing volume and earned over $1 million in rebates for fiscal year 2019-20. In addition to the rebates, there are time savings to be generated through the efficiencies of the program. Join fellow WASBO p-Card users to learn how to maximize your use of the program and realize these efficiencies. Part 1 will cover what the online management system looks like, Spend Dynamics Basics. Part 2 will delve into more advanced p-Card topics such as adding cards, pulling the extract from Spend Dynamics and managing those transactions in Skyward from the district perspective. Time 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM 10:30 AM
Best Practices to Use ESSER Funds Time 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM 10:30 AM
Advanced Maintenance of Effort Time 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM 10:30 AM
Morning Break Time 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM 11:15 AM
Communicating Fiscal Information As a new business manager, you will need to communicate with a wide variety of audiences. You will need to share fiscal or financial information with the general public, with your staff, with the school board, as well as administrative colleagues. Very few of these audiences will have an understanding of the mill rate, debits and credits, tertiary aid (don’t even think about mentioning negative tertiary aid!), or the impact of TIF districts. But they all understand paying taxes. And sometimes, that means that they think they know school finance. This session will help you develop effective strategies and tactics to avoid jargon, clear up misunderstandings, and effectively reach a variety of audiences as you communicate important fiscal information. Track Year of Success Time 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM 11:30 AM
p-Card User Group Part 2 WASBO has over 140 school districts participating in the Purchasing Card Program and together these districts generated over $66 million in purchasing volume and earned over $1 million in rebates for fiscal year 2019-20. In addition to the rebates, there are time savings to be generated through the efficiencies of the program. Join fellow WASBO p-Card users to learn how to maximize your use of the program and realize these efficiencies. Part 1 will cover what the online management system looks like, Spend Dynamics Basics. Part 2 will delve into more advanced p-Card topics such as adding cards, pulling the extract from Spend Dynamics and managing those transactions in Skyward from the district perspective. Time 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM 11:30 AM
Common Knowledge: Active and Post Employment HRAs Presented in the Common Knowledge game show approach, this is an interactive presentation wherein the audience answers questions and tests their 'common knowledge' regarding the major provisions and responsibilities relative to implementing and administering active and post employment health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). Come prepared to log on through your phone and test your knowledge (anonymously, of course). Time 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM 11:30 AM
DPI Federal Funding & Title I Teams Update Time 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM 11:30 AM
Conference Wrap Up & Peer Share Out Time 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM 12:15 PM

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