Total Credits: 10 MASBO Credit(s), 10 BOSA Credit
Tags: Events Winter Conference
The Winter Conference is virtual and includes two days of live sessions plus recorded on-demand webinars. In addition, all live sessions will also be recorded to be viewed on-demand following the conference (unless otherwise noted).
Please note: The schedule may be subject to change.
| Monday, February 2 | |
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| Recorded Content Available | |
| Thursday, February 5 | |
| 8:30-9:20am | Opening Announcements and Keynote |
| 9:40-10:50am | Breakout Sessions |
| 11:00-11:50am | Breakout Sessions |
| 12:40-1:30pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 1:50-2:40pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 2:50-3:40pm | Breakout Sessions |
| Friday, February 6 | |
| 8:30-9:20am | Breakout Sessions |
| 9:40-10:30am | Breakout Sessions |
| 10:40-11:10am | 30-Minute Office Reset |
| 11:20am-12:10pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 12:30-12:50pm | Legislative Update |
| 1:00-1:50pm | Breakout Sessions |
| 2:00-3:00pm | Workshops |
Karren Minalga
Senior Program Associate, UNITE
Every school and district relies on many people working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly, and the way we communicate in those everyday interactions matters. In a time of rising social and cultural tension, the Dignity Index offers a simple, research-backed framework to help every member of a school or district team respond to disagreement in ways that strengthen connection rather than erode it. Whether you interact with students, families, colleagues, or the broader community, this session introduces practical language and strategies that help ease division and solve problems to create more collaborative, dignity-centered school communities.
Thank You, Keynote Sponsor!
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Thank You, Technology and Engagement Sponsor!
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Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received by the MASBO office at least 48 hours prior to the event are eligible for a refund of the registration fee. No refunds will be provided for cancellations received fewer than 48 hours prior to the event.
Audio/Video Policy: Registration and attendance at, or participation at association events constitutes an agreement by the registrant to association’s use and distribution of the registrant or attendee’s image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions and audiotapes of such events and activities.
Code of Conduct: MASBO is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment for all participants, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, or religion. MASBO will not tolerate harassment of event attendees in any form. Those violating these rules may be sanctioned, expelled from the event without a refund, and/or excluded from attending future events, at the discretion of the organization.
Aaron has more than 22 years’ school finance experience. Prior to joining Ehlers in 2021, he worked as the Director of Finance for two metro school districts. Prior to his school district roles, he was an auditor for a private Twin Cities firm.
Zachary Cronen is a shareholder with Rupp, Anderson, Squires, Waldspurger, & Mace, P.A. His primary areas of practice include general municipal and school law, civil litigation, real estate transactions and litigation, labor and employment, and election law. He earned his B.A. from the University of Minnesota and his J.D., summa cum laude, from William Mitchell College of Law.
Beth brings nearly two decades of public finance experience, most recently serving as the Director of Business Services for ROCORI school district. Prior to that, she worked as a Business Manager with Holdingford Public Schools and a governmental audit supervisor with a private firm.
Baillie Erickson is the Assistant Director at Edina Public Schools, where she plays a key role in managing the district’s financial operations, including budgeting, bank reconciliation, auditing, and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and smooth processes. She has a strong foundation in school finance and is actively involved with the Minnesota Association of School Business Officials (MASBO), serving as Vice Chair of the Professional Development Committee, and has completed MASBO’s Leadership Academy and Next Level Leadership program to further strengthen her leadership and expertise. Baillie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business Management and earned her School Finance Officer (SFO) Certification in 2025, reflecting her commitment to professional growth. Outside of work, she enjoys helping on her family’s crop production farm and spending leisure time with family and friends playing bingo and board games.
As the Director of School Finance for the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Cathy oversees teams responsible for general education and categorical funding, levy process and certification, financial audits, aid payments, budget forecasting, and more. Her work also includes managing data related to students, transportation, and MDE-ORG sites, as well as overseeing special education funding and facilities maintenance. She frequently speaks at Minnesota Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) conferences and co-presents at the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) Phase II Finance training. Before joining MDE in July 2022, Cathy spent 23 years in school finance, serving in leadership roles at Duluth Public Schools, Arrowhead Regional Computing Consortium (ARCC), and Lake Superior School District. She also taught school finance as an adjunct instructor at St. Mary’s University. Cathy holds a bachelor's degree in management from the College of St. Scholastica.
Paul Ferrin is currently the supervisor of the special education funding and data workgroup at the Minnesota Department of Education. He has worked at the department for 5 years in various roles including monitoring special education expenditures and providing data analytics to the special education funding workgroup.
Tracey Fiereck is the Director of Business Services with Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools, with responsibilities include overseeing the business operations of the district, transportation, nutrition services, and buildings and grounds; duties also include annual budget preparation, negotiations, risk management, annual audit preparation, and procurement. Tracey joined Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools in the fall of 2020, and previously served as the Executive Director of cmERDC - ESV Region III. She spent over 20 years of her career at cmERDC, learning many aspects of school finance and operations. Additionally, she served on the Sauk Rapids-Rice School Board. Tracey earned an AAS degree in Accounting from St. Cloud Community and Technical College and continued her studies in Business Management at St. Cloud State University. She is currently serving as a Director on the MASBO Board.
Tiffany Gustin serves as the Director of Management and Insurance Trust Services for the MN School Boards Association. Before working for MSBA, she served as a school district Business Manager for ten years. Prior to working in school finance, she was a software engineer and database analyst in the private sector and worked in county government.
In her spare time, she is a volunteer first responder, church pianist, and is the Chief Operations Officer of a crazy household made up of her husband, two adult children and way too many animals. She loves coffee, bacon, campfires, and spending time with her family, especially the dogs.
Michael Hart is a Managing Director of Public Finance in Minnesota for PTMA Financial Solutions. He has over a decade of experience in public finance including leading school districts through the financial aspects of bond issues and referendums for both capital projects and operating funds. Mr. Hart holds Series 7, 50, 53, 54 and 63 FINRA licenses.
Noel has worked with the retirement and OPEB plans offered by for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. He frequently consults with pension plan sponsors on de-risking strategies including lump sum window campaigns and plan terminations. He also has extensive experience with the actuarial valuation of pension and retiree health programs for private employers. Noel is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and an Enrolled Actuary.
Mark F. Kerr, JD, CFE, is the Office of the State Auditor's Special Investigations Director. In various capacities, Mark has practiced local government law for over 25 years. Prior to assuming his current role, he served the Office of the State Auditor as Assistant Legal Counsel. He also practiced law for three years with the Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney law firm representing school districts and other local units of government. After graduating from the WIlliam Mitchell College of Law, magna cum laude, Mark served as judicial clerk for the Chief Judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals.
Before joining the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Molly worked in both school operations and charter school authorizing, providing oversight to schools that were both operational and start up. She holds a BS degree from Augsburg University in mathematics.
Jenetta Laferriere is a dedicated school finance professional and Finance Consultant with CESO, where she supports Minnesota school districts with budgeting, reporting, and day-to-day finance operations. Jenetta brings a well-rounded perspective to the CESO team following 10 years of experience in various payroll, human resources and business manager roles in school districts. Known for her collaborative, hands-on approach, she partners closely with administrators and state reporting teams to solve problems, strengthen systems, and to help districts achieve their shared goals.
Kristy Larson is MSBA’s Associate Director of Management Services. She has a background in communications and technical writing and brings experience from both the investment industry and eight years in human resources serving local government. Kristy is dedicated to supporting Minnesota’s public schools through her work with MSBA.
Peter Martin has spent the past 30 years providing advice to school districts regarding business contracts, employment disputes, special education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) complaint investigations, student discipline, and other general school law matters. Mr. Martin has also been active in the Minnesota legislature as a lobbyist and has been involved in developing many school-related legislative initiatives over the past decade. He is a member of the State Bars of Minnesota and Wisconsin, the National Association of Bond Lawyers, and the National School Boards Association Council of School Attorneys.
Deb graduated magna cum laude from Augsburg University with a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting and finance. She was an auditor for 4 1/2 years for the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and has 16 years of experience as a Supervisor of Accounting for two different school districts. Deb has worked at MDE since December 2014 in the Division of School Finance.
Bill Menozzi is the PTMA Financial Solutions Director for Public Finance and a former Director of Finance and Operations for Shakopee Public Schools. He brings 15 years of experience in public education finance. Prior to his work in public education, Bill began his career in the audit practice at Deloitte in Minneapolis.
Sarah Miller, Director of Business in three Minnesota schools/consultant with Minnesota charter schools - 12 years. For the past 12 years, at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) – Financial Management/Budget Facilities teams. Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration/Accounting from UNC, Greeley, Colorado. Homeland Security Emergency Management representative for MDE.
Karren is a Senior Program Associate on UNITE's K-12 team where she helps bring the Dignity Index to schools, districts, and community groups across the country. She brings over 23 years of classroom and administrative experience to the K-12 team, with a strong background in Special Education, instructional coaching, and positive behavioral support systems. Karren is deeply passionate about school and community building, and the transformative power of education. She seeks to contribute to the growing dignity movement by empowering people to make a difference in their families, their school, and their communities.
Adrienne has 19+ years of public sector finance experience and specializes in public accounting and governmental audits, successfully guiding clients through ever-changing complexities related to administering federal funds. She is a leading resource on Federal Uniform Guidance and compliance with various federal financial programs for school districts and local governments.
Danny Nelson is a Director at PFM Asset Management where he manages relationships for municipal governments in Minnesota. He provides investment advisory services, develops investment policies, helps with cash flow analyses, and monitors guidelines/strategy implementation. Danny provides public entities with training, technical, and analytical support with respect to clients’ investments.
James works with organizations of all sizes to provide in-depth guidance on a broad spectrum of workplace issues, including employment law compliance, leave management, human resources matters, best practices, liability exposures, workers' compensation, etc. In addition to advising clients, he writes articles on employment and risk management issues, and regularly conducts leadership, harassment, and legal compliance training for our clients' managers and staff.
Steve Pumper joined PMA Financial Network in July of 2009. Prior to joining PMA, Steve worked as a school business manager in Minnesota schools for 22 years. He brings that experience in helping PMA develop services that are beneficial to the Business Manager in the field. Steve is a Registered Representative with FINRA and holds his series 7, 50 and 63 securities licenses.
Zach consults with clients to navigate the Employee Benefits landscape by evaluating plan designs, implementing/educating new wellness programs, handling complex benefit issues and service challenges, and ultimately, acting as the best liaison between clients and insurance carriers.
Lori Volz has more than 40 years of experience in school finance and has worked in three Big 9 school districts over the course of her career as executive director of finance and operations/deputy superintendent. She currently serves Minnesota public schools as financial advisory consultant with Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors.
Chris Williams has been a consultant at Aviben for 8 years. He specializes in HRAs, FSAs, and ACA employer compliance. Before Aviben, Chris attended the University of Northern Iowa where he received a BA in Business Management.
Elleka Yost is ASBO International's Director of Advocacy and Research. She has been with the association for 12 years and manages ASBO International's federal advocacy program, media relations, and research and grants projects to support school business professionals. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from George Mason University, focusing on international affairs, public policy, and governance. She also completed Georgetown University's Certificate in Education Finance program.
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Thursday, February 5 |
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Live Virtual Sessions (all sessions recorded for on-demand viewing, except where indicated *) |
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8:30-9:20am |
Opening Announcements & Keynote – The Dignity Index as a Tool to Improve School Culture* — Karren Minalga, UNITE |
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9:20-9:40am |
Break |
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9:40-10:50am |
Breakout Sessions Mastering LTFM: From Planning to Compliance — Sarah Miller, Minnesota Department of Education Employee Classifications — Speaker coming soon |
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10:50-11:00am |
Break |
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11:00-11:50am |
Breakout Sessions Early Retirement Incentives OPEBs under GASB 75 and Minnesota Department of Education OPEB Levy — Noel Johnson, USI Consulting Group; Jan Carlson, Minnesota Department of Education The Intersection of MARSS and Finance — Sandy Gaulke & Jenetta LaFerriere, The Center for Effective School Operations (CESO) |
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11:50am-12:40pm |
Break |
| 12:40-1:30pm |
Breakout Sessions From Posting to Placement: Strengthening Your Hiring Process — Zach Cronen, Squires, Waldspurger & Mace P.A. Special Ed Finance Updates — Paul Ferrin, Minnesota Department of Education |
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1:30-1:50pm |
Break |
| 1:50-2:40pm |
Breakout Sessions What If Tips and Tricks — Cathy Erickson, Minnesota Department of Education We Need to Talk— Daniel Ludvingston, Long Prairie-Grey Eagle |
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2:40-2:50pm |
Break |
| 2:50-3:40pm |
Breakout Sessions Building Fiscal Resilience: Strategic Forecasting for Financial Stability — Lori Volz, Baker Tilly Federal Funding in Flux: What's in Store for MN Schools? — Elleka Yost, ASBO International |
Friday, February 6 |
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Live Virtual Sessions (all sessions recorded for on-demand viewing, except where indicated *) |
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8:30-9:20am |
Breakout Sessions Coffee Talk — Cathy Erickson, Minnesota Department of Education From Gatekeeper to Guide: Facilitating Collaborative Budgeting with Difficult Stakeholders — Mike Kray, South Central Service Cooperative |
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9:20-9:40am |
Break |
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9:40-10:30am |
Breakout Sessions Case Law Update — Peter Martin, Kennedy & Graven Dollars & Sense: Beyond the Basics — Aaron Bushberger & Beth Downes, Ehlers, Inc. |
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10:30-10:40am |
Break |
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10:40-11:10am |
30-Minute Office Reset: Chair Yoga, Breathwork & Stress Tools — Jenn Phillips |
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11:10-11:20am |
Break |
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11:20am-12:10pm |
Breakout Sessions UFARS 101 — Deb Meier & Molly Koppes, Minnesota Department of Education Unlocking the Power of an Invested HRA — Chris Williams, Aviben |
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12:00-12:30pm |
Break |
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12:30-12:50pm |
Legislative Update for Minnesota School Business Officials — Valerie Dosland, Ewald Consulting |
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12:50-1:00pm |
Break |
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1:00-1:50 pm |
Breakout Sessions Navigating PFML Together — Zach Savitz & James Olney, USI Insurance Services Bridging the Gap: Strategic Cash Flow Management with Aid Anticipation Borrowing — Lori Volz, Baker Tilly |
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1:50-2:00 pm |
Break |
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2:00-3:00 pm |
Workshops* Let’s end the conference with some valuable interaction and hands-on learning! Each workshop will include a short informational component and plenty of time for conversation. From Policy to Practice: HR in Schools — Tiffany Gustin & Kristy Larson, Minnesota School Boards Association AI at Work: Tools and Strategies — Andrew Adams, MASBO President Elect; David Anderson, ISD 287; Kevin Fitton, SW Intermediate District 288 MEGS: Practical Guidance for Grant Management — Tracey Fiereck, Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools, ISD #47; Baillie Erickson, Edina Public Schools State SPED Revenue: Breaking it Down — Adrienne Mutzenberger, The Center for Effective School Operations (CESO) LTFM in Action: Ask, Learn, Apply — Steve Pumper, Michael Hart, & Bill Menozzi, PTMA Financial |
State Compliance Issues — Mark Kerr, Office of the State Auditor
Description coming soon
Beginner School Finance Excel Tools — Mert Woodard, Edina Public Schools
Learn how to utilize Excel tools for specific work in the school business office.
Economic Update and Current Market Conditions — Danny Nelson, PFM Asset Management, a division of U.S. Bancorp Asset Management, Inc.
Moderating growth, shifting policy dynamics, and evolving inflation trends continue to shape the economic landscape. In this session, we will present a macroeconomic outlook, highlighting baseline expectations for gross domestic product, the labor markets, consumer activity, and interest rates. The discussion will explore how recent developments, including Federal Reserve policy signals and fiscal adjustments, are influencing the trajectory of economic expansion.
Employee Classifications — Dave Skovholt, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
This session will cover the differences of employee classifications for school districts. It is recommended that attendees view this on-demand session prior to attending the live session, as it will provide the technical foundation of understanding these different groups of employees.
Thank you, Keynote Sponsor!
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Thank you, Technology and Engagement Sponsor!
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MASBO Credits:
The "MASBO Credit" is our standard credit and will be offered for each one-hour live or recorded session. MASBO Credits can apply toward your MASBO certification designation.
Board of School Administrators Credits:
Approved administrative continuing education credits are available for most MASBO conferences, workshops, and professional development programs. For in-person events, registered attendees must attend the full event to receive credit. BOSA credits may also be available for select live or recorded webinars
CPE Credits:
There are not any CPE credits offered for the Winter Conference.
| Availability | Module Title | Speaker | Credits | Course Type | Duration | Course Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 05, 2026 @ 08:30 AM (CST) |
The Dignity Index as a Tool to Improve School Culture
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 05, 2026 @ 09:40 AM (CST) |
Mastering LTFM: From Planning to Compliance
|
N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 05, 2026 @ 09:40 AM (CST) |
Employee Classifications
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 05, 2026 @ 11:00 AM (CST) |
Early Retirement Incentives OPEBs under GASB 75 and Minnesota Department of Education OPEB Levy
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 05, 2026 @ 11:00 AM (CST) |
The Intersection of MARSS and Finance
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 05, 2026 @ 12:40 PM (CST) |
From Posting to Placement: Strengthening Your Hiring Process
|
N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 05, 2026 @ 12:40 PM (CST) |
Special Ed Finance Updates
|
N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 05, 2026 @ 01:50 PM (CST) |
What If Tips and Tricks
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 05, 2026 @ 01:50 PM (CST) |
We Need to Talk
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 05, 2026 @ 02:50 PM (CST) |
Building Fiscal Resilience: Strategic Forecasting for Financial Stability
|
N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 05, 2026 @ 02:50 PM (CST) |
Federal Funding in Flux: What's in Store for MN Schools?
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 06, 2026 @ 08:30 AM (CST) |
Coffee Talk with Cathy Erickson
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 06, 2026 @ 08:30 AM (CST) |
From Gatekeeper to Guide: Facilitating Collaborative Budgeting with Difficult Stakeholders
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 06, 2026 @ 09:40 AM (CST) |
Case Law Update
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 06, 2026 @ 09:40 AM (CST) |
Dollars & Sense Part II: School District Budgeting
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 06, 2026 @ 10:40 AM (CST) |
30-Minute Office Reset: Chair Yoga, Breathwork & Stress Tools
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 06, 2026 @ 11:20 AM (CST) |
UFARS 101
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 06, 2026 @ 11:20 AM (CST) |
Unlocking the Power of an Invested HRA
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 06, 2026 @ 12:30 PM (CST) |
Legislative Update for Minnesota School Business Officials
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 06, 2026 @ 01:00 PM (CST) |
Navigating PFML Together
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 06, 2026 @ 01:00 PM (CST) |
Bridging the Gap: Strategic Cash Flow Management with Aid Anticipation Borrowing
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 06, 2026 @ 02:00 PM (CST) |
From Policy to Practice: HR in Schools
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 06, 2026 @ 02:00 PM (CST) |
AI at Work: Tools and Strategies
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 06, 2026 @ 02:00 PM (CST) |
MEGS: Practical Guidance for Grant Management
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 06, 2026 @ 02:00 PM (CST) |
State SPED Revenue: Breaking it Down
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » | |
| Feb 06, 2026 @ 02:00 PM (CST) |
LTFM in Action: Ask, Learn, Apply
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N/A | Webinar | 45 Minutes | More info » |
