Both new and veteran school board members need to have a fundamental understanding of school finance. Superintendents, business managers, and bookkeepers are required to have a deep and comprehensive understanding of finance. Taxpayers and citizens are asking districts to provide more detailed information about their finances, so now is the time to learn! This evening workshop will feature former superintendents Carl Dietz and Matt Fisher, two school finance experts, who will structure the presentation around all aspects of the school district finances. They will share their experiences in: 

• Sharing budget information with the community
• The budgeting process is not a 'once and done' activity, rather something that needs to be discussed throughout the entire year
• How and when to start a Line Item Budget and how the NDE Budget Document gets completed
• What to look for in your audit report and the Annual Financial Report
• Importance of Cash Reserves
• How to develop a 5-year financial budget plan
• How a Capital Replacement Schedule is important for budget building
• What financial information board members should see and know on a monthly basis.   Sample reports will be shared during the workshop
• Understanding the TEEOSA formula and the impact of SPED costs
• Communication with the community about school finances
• A brief discussion of LB 644 and the Joint Public Hearings
• Pitfalls and stories from the trenches and how to avoid hidden financial traps
• Helping newly elected board members understand the school district budget process