Smorgasbord, noun (smor-gas-board): a luncheon or supper buffet offering a variety of cuisines and dishes. Come to this smorgasbord of experienced payroll professionals. Prepare to learn all about common mistakes, tips, year-end procedures and payroll deadlines. 

Ballroom B
PDC: Accounting
Speakers:
Senaida Avalos Payroll Manager, North Shore SD 112 
Sean P. Carney Asst. Supt./Business, Adlai E. Stevenson HSD 125
Mike Vargas, CSBO Asst. Supt./Finance & Operations, Marquardt SD 15

Review the latest in common fraud tactics as well as processes that can be put in place to protect your district and your information. 

Ballroom C
PDC: Cash Management
Speakers:
Aimee L. Briles SVP/Director of Government Banking, Wintrust Financial
Ray Olsen, CAFP, CFS, CBAP SVP, Senior Director - Enterprise Fraud Management

How do I begin to understand all these payroll laws? Explore the latest adjustments in payroll laws from the Fair Labor Standards Act to the Illinois Wage Payment & Collection Act, plus every law in between. Download Presentation

Ballroom D
PDC: Legal Issues
Speaker:
Elizabeth Becker Associate Attorney, Robbins Schwartz
Natalie Jakubowski Attorney, Robbins Schwartz

This session breaks down school budget basics in simple, practical terms. Learn the key building blocks, understand how different funds work and gain confidence in navigating school finance. The perfect session for those just starting their journey in district financial management. Download Presentation

Ballroom E
PDC: Budgeting
Speakers:
Scott Blumberg Asst. Supt. for Business Services/CSBO, Aptakisic-Tripp SD 102
Jay Kahn Dir./Finance & Operations, CSBO, Lake Bluff SD 65

This session will cover common mistakes that are made by both experienced and novice bookkeepers. This session will include a question and answer session with those in attendance. Download Presentation

Ballroom B
PDC: Accounting
Speaker: Mary B. Kalou Assistant Superintendent, Maine Twp. HSD 207

Learn the basics of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), including specific rules and tips applicable to Illinois school districts.

Ballroom C
PDC: Legal Issues
Speakers:
Joel Filas CSBO, Benjamin SD 25
Thomas C. Garretson Attorney, Robbins Schwartz

Small districts tend to have a limited staff, meaning that you wear about ten different hats throughout the day. These can include Finance Director, HR Director, IT Director and sometimes even Maintenance Director. Discover the ISBE reports most small district bookkeepers typically end up filing. Attendees will also learn about the changes to the ASA and how to complete it. Download Presentation

Ballroom D
PDC: Accounting
Speakers:
Stacey Corder, MBA Governmental Financial Services Director, Benning Group, LLC
Melissa Morgese Asst. Superintendent of Business, Addison Elem. SD 4

Ready to work smarter, not harder? Join our Excel User session. We will dive into the formulas and shortcuts that turn spreadsheets from a headache into a superpower. Whether you are looking to sharpen your skills or just want to become more efficient with excel, this hands-on experience will give you the edge you need.

Ballroom E
PDC: Accounting
Speakers:
Michael J. Duback Asst. Supt./Business, CSBO, Lincoln Way CHSD 210
Cheyanne Patterson Accounting and Auditing Administrator, Decatur SD 61
Mike Vargas, CSBO Asst. Supt./Finance & Operations, Marquardt SD 15

Behind every reliable ISBE report lies one critical skill: accurate account coding. In this session, we will explore how proper coding directly impacts financial statements, tuition- or site-based metrics and grant reporting. Perfect for those who want to see how their accuracy affects other areas of their district. Download Presentation

Ballroom B
PDC: Accounting
Speakers:
Stacey Corder, MBA Governmental Financial Services Director, Benning Group, LLC 
Elizabeth R. Shields Business Manager/CSBO, Morris CHSD 101

Benefits can feel overwhelming—like getting pulled into a black hole of options, acronyms and fine print. This fast-paced, interactive session flips the script. Instead of one long session, participants will “speed date” through key benefit topics—insurance, retirement plans and pensions—getting concise, practical insights from area experts. Attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of each benefit area, ready to ask the right questions, avoid common pitfalls and make smarter decisions.

Ballroom C
PDC: Human Resources
Speakers:
Ashton Harnung Employee Health & Benefits Account Executive, Marsh McLennan Agency
Debby Karton Principal/Public Educations K-12, NPPFA
Anita Kochar Dir./Service & Support, NPPFA Benefits
Albert Lerman Regional Representative, Horace Mann Insurance Company
Jennifer Prosise Financial Advisor/Certified Financial Planner, The Voyager Group Ltd.

In today's workplace, leadership isn't just a title, it's a skill for everyone. Learn practical ways to lead up, down and across teams as well as inspiring future generations of professionals. Download Presentation

Ballroom D
PDC: Leadership
Speakers:
Mindy L. Bradford, CSBO, MBA Asst. Supt. for Business & Operations, Comm. Cons. Sch. Dist. 181 
Carrie Matlock President, DLA Architects, Ltd.

This session will review how salaries must be recorded for hourly employees that are in stipend positions. Download Presentation

Ballroom E
PDC: Accounting
Speaker: Sean P. Carney Asst. Supt./Business, Adlai E. Stevenson HSD 125

This session will go through the process of completing the TRS annual report and how summer payrolls can be completed.
TRS Gemini Resources Website
TRS SSP Employer Resources Website

Ballroom B
PDC: Accounting
Speakers: 
Senaida Avalos Payroll Manager, North Shore SD 112 
Eric VanDerWel Training & Outreach Manager, Teachers' Retirement System of the State if Illinois (TRS)

This presentation focuses on simple steps schools can take to keep money safe and reduce their opportunities for mistakes or loss. It will emphasize the importance of having clear procedures, secure funds, regular record checks and ensuring staff know these expectations. By following basic safeguards, schools can handle cash more responsibly and reduce their risk. Download Presentation

Ballroom C
PDC: Risk Management
Speaker:
Todd K. Latham Asst Supt Business Services, Geneva CUSD 304

Walk through the process of accounting for your district's investments from purchase to maturity. Then, shift gears and review the different important aspects of a bond issuance. Download Presentation

Ballroom D
PDC: Cash Management
Speakers:
Tim Flaherty SVP, Senior Relationship Manager, PTMA Financial Solutions
Anjali Vij Partner, Chapman and Cutler LLP

Join us for a session on best practices for student activity account management. Make sense of your student activity accounts and learn from other professionals how to keep these funds where they belong. Download Presentation

Ballroom E
PDC: Purchasing
Speakers:
Nicole Kennedy, CPMM, CPP Purchasing Manager, Comm. Unit Sch. Dist. 300
Jill Sarni Student Accounts Coordinator, Comm. Unit Sch. Dist. 300