Learning

First Year Academy

The first step all school business and facilities professionals should take

Register for the 2026-27 First Year Academy! Open to all school officials in their first few years!

You are not alone! WASBO's First Year Academy is designed to support new school business office and facilities professionals across the state. Through collaborative discussions, expert presentations, and shared resources, participants come away with the knowledge, support, and connections needed to build a foundation for lasting success.

 

Academy Cost:

  • Member Pricing: $999
  • Non-Member Pricing: $1,180

Participants may purchase Discount Conference Package Options below for additional fee(s).

   

Thank you to our First Year Academy Sponsor: M3 Insurance!

2026-27 Cohort Information

September 16-17, 2026 & February 17-18, 2027 (Madison) | May 13-14, 2027 (Wis. Dells)

This program consists of three meetings. There will be two consecutive days of in-person learning in Madison in both the Fall and Winter, with participants joining a cohort of others in their first year. View the September schedule now! The final meeting will bring the cohort together at the Spring Conference, providing a valuable opportunity to connect, collaborate, and extend their learning on a larger scale. Participants in the First Year Academy receive a one-year WASBO membership (if not already a member) and optional personalized one-on-one coaching throughout the year. Additionally, exclusive discounted conference packages are available, allowing participants further to enhance their learning and professional connections beyond the academy. 

What You Will Learn

The First Year Academy begins in the fall with two energizing days designed to orient new professionals to the world of school business and facilities leadership. The fall experience introduces core topics that are essential for every new leader. Sessions explore the differences between leadership and management, ethics, guidance on effective communication with stakeholders, and provide space for setting professional goals aligned with district needs.

As the Academy continues, participants follow specialized tracks tailored to their roles. Business officials gain a practical overview of what to expect in their role—from reporting timelines to financial planning—while facilities professionals dive into school safety, maintenance cycles, and regulatory updates. Across both tracks, participants hear from seasoned experts and colleagues who share real-world insights and lessons learned from the field.

The winter session includes topics such as navigating pupil transportation and food service operations, understanding environmental considerations in school buildings, and getting ready for summer activities like audits, facility upgrades, and summer school. Communication is also a major focus of the winter session.

Discount Conference & Coaching Packages

First Year Academy participants may purchase any of the conference packages below. Purchase a two-conference package and receive 20% off the regular rates for each included conference. Additionally, add the Fall Conference to your registration at a discounted rate! Finally, participants have access to personalized one-on-one coaching throughout the year to support their experience in the academy. Coaching provides tailored guidance, professional connections, and practical support to help participants grow in their role and apply what they learn throughout the program. To help WASBO match you with a coach, please complete the coaching application form and note that you are part of the First Year Academy when submitting your information. Coaching options and fees are listed below.

APPLY FOR A COACH

Package / Item

WASBO Member Pricing

Non-Member Pricing*

First Year Academy Cohort Only

$999

$1,180

Conference Package A

$1,679

$1,860

Conference Package B

$1,527

$1,708

Conference Package C

$1,476

$1,756

Conference Package D

$1,575

$1,756

Add On: 2026 Fall Conference

$308

$308

Add On: Monthly In-Person Coaching

$1,500

$1,500

Add On: Bi-Monthly In-Person Coaching

$800

$800

Add On: Monthly Virtual Coaching

$1,000

$1,000

Add On: Bi-Monthly Virtual Coaching

$550

$550

*Attendees who register for the First Year Academy at the non-member registration rate (and have never been members) will receive a trial WASBO membership that lasts through June 30, 2027