Who supports the people who support our schools? This practical, research-informed session explores sustainable strategies for self-care and work-life balance for school leaders and support staff. Gain simple strategies, a practical framework and realistic tools to help you reduce stress and thrive, both at work and beyond. 

Speaker: Kim Chambers Executive Director, Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators (IASPA)

Learn the ABCs of effective internal controls and segregation of duties in a school district setting. Explore procedures for managing cash, payroll, purchasing and district funds while highlighting strategies to strengthen accountability, reduce risk and safeguard district resources. Gain realistic tools to support strong financial oversight, even in small business offices with limited staffing.

Speaker: Sarah Healy Regional Financial Consultant, Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)

Unlocking the Complex demystifies school district grants by transforming complicated funding requirements into practical, actionable knowledge. Learn how to identify funding opportunities, navigate compliance requirements, understand the difference between 'supplement' and 'supplant' and strategically leverage grant funding to maximize project outcomes.

Speakers: Michael Trevillion, M.Ed., Ph.D. Director of Federal Programs and Grants, Comm. Unit Sch. Dist. 300
Frank Williams, Ed.D. Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer, CSBO, Comm. Unit Sch. Dist. 300

Every successful school business office starts with the basics. Join us for an overview of school finance, payroll, purchasing and compliance while exploring the core concepts and responsibilities that support district operations. Build confidence and strong fundamentals across the business office.

Speaker: Details Coming Soon

Whether you're looking to build your Excel skills or solve everyday challenges, this interactive session combines practical demonstrations, participant questions and engaging discussion to help you work more efficiently. Content will adapt to audience interests and questions, making each session a unique learning experience. Bring your burning Excel questions and gain practical solutions you can  use right away.

Speaker: Cheyanne Patterson Accounting and Auditing Administrator, Decatur SD 61

Join us as we review effective practices and common challenges when using electronic payment and purchasing platforms. We will focus on Amazon, pCards and District Credit Cards, sharing best practices to help buildings and District Finance Departments make the most of these tools.

Speaker: Linda Matkowski Chief Financial Officer, Rockford SD 205

From mileage rates to meal limits, travel reimbursement can create risks during your audit. We will highlight common district mistakes and provide real-world guidance for grant-funded and district-funded travel. Attendees will leave with clear dos and don’ts, policy tips and examples to reduce confusion, improve consistency and withstand audit scrutiny.

Speakers: Caty Campbell Business Manager, Pekin SD 108
Cheyenne Patterson Accounting and Auditing Administrator, Decatur SD 61

This session will cover the IMRF basics you need to know. Learn how to create data collections for wage reports, process wage adjustments, process member changes and terminations. Discover where to find the reports you need for the latest changes impacting your IMRF reporting process.

Speaker: Mandy Beedie Powers Central Field Service Representative, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)

Every payroll professional has questions that linger after the work day ends. This session is your opportunity to solve your biggest payroll worries, from tricky calculations and compliance issues to unique school payroll scenarios. Together we'll discuss solutions, share experiences and provide ideas to help you tackle payroll challenges with confidence.

Speakers: Caty Campbell Business Manager, Pekin SD 108
Natalie Vohland Accounting Coord./Bookkeepe, Farmington Central SD 265

Gain a better understanding of Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) benefits, including employee eligibility requirements and the programs available to support retirement planning and long-term financial well-being.

Speakers: Nick Stabler Outreach Coordinator, Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS)
Shiloah Tubbs Deferred Compensation Manager, Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS)