Message from ALASBO President, Yodean Armour

My first ALASBO experience was  an ALASBO Annual Conference. As a brand-new Business Manager, the annual conference was overwhelming – so much to know! Our district is a single-site K-12 school of under 120 students, and as many know – school employees wear many hats and the business office is just a few staff.  

Thankfully, the wonderful thing about ALASBO is that no one is left to figure out anything by themselves. ALASBO’s Mission Statement: To promote the highest standards in school business practice, and Vision: Educating stakeholders in the effective use of resources for the benefit of Alaska’s children, is evident in all ALASBO’s actions.

Over the years I noticed a number of leaders / mentors that embodied ALASBO’s Mission and Vision, and Dave Jones was one of them. Dave was an incredible example of what it is to lead with care and courage: always encouraging, wonderful sense of humor, and could be counted on to lead ALASBO in legislative matters. Read the rest of Yodean's message here.

Executive Director's Message- Darcy Carter

My heart breaks over the loss of our colleague and friend Dave Jones.

Dave and I first met when he worked at Kodiak Island Borough SD. I then had the pleasure of working with him when he was at Kenai Peninsula Borough SD. I was honored to continue to work with him in my role with ALASBO. At the time of his passing, he was going to begin working as ALASBO's Legislative Liaison.

There are only a few times in one's life when we can trace where we are today to a particular moment in time. I had that moment with Dave. Like many people who knew Dave, my life was touched in a positive way for having known him. I can clearly remember a specific time when Dave advocated on my behalf and I believe that helped lead to a career move to Alaska and hence to ALASBO.

Dave was known for his love of family, his passionate advocacy for Alaska's children, his kindness, his selflessness and, lovingly, his cluttered office. I shall miss him and hope my life has touched someone in the way his touched mine. Let's all strive to carry on his legacy of working for what is best for Alaska's students. Click here for photo.

To honor his many contributions to Alaska K12 public education, ALASBO is establishing a Dave Jones Memorial Student Scholarship, the first of which will be awarded in 2024. Please contact me for information on how to make a contribution. darcy.carter@alasbo.org

ALASBO Education Director News- Jennifer Schmitz

When the ALASBO Board hired me over two years ago as the Education Director, they were taking a leap of faith on someone who truly knew nothing about school business. Since that day, I have learned so much. For starters, there are at least a dozen new acronyms in my vocabulary. I have learned that, although I thought I was really good at QuickBooks, in actuality I should not be allowed anywhere near it. I also now understand that school business managers really do know more than anyone else in the district. However, what I have learned most in my time with ALASBO is that this is an association made up of great people. I have been a part of many organizations over the years and the way you all support one another is unmatched. I commend you on your goals for providing professional development to people in districts around the state who may not be receiving it as a part of any other group. I am proud of our HR Workshops and that in April we will be holding the first training designed by and specific for facilities and maintenance personnel. 

As you may know, I have been offered the opportunity to work supporting principals in Alaska full time. Read the rest of Jennifer's message here.

Melody Douglas featured on ASBO Podcast

SBO Perspectives is a brief, weekly conversation about the insights, highlights, and challenges of public education as told by school business professionals and industry experts. Listen to Melody Douglas, ALASBO's Associate Executive Director, January 25, 2023 talk about The Great Alaskan Endeavor Click here to listen to podcast.

asbointl.org/SBOPerspectives

Ingenuity and Resourcefulness 

Pinnacle Awards recognize original and innovative solutions to issues facing school business professionals and their districts. If you or someone you know has solved a district challenge in a creative way, tell us about it! 

APPLY BY MAY 1

Dave Jones Remembrance

Melody Douglas was able attend and speak at the service for Dave Jones. Here are her words.

ALASBO Past President, Dave Jones, died unexpectedly January 1, 2023. He was way too young to leave us - he had so much yet to give!  And after a year and a half spending time with family and unwinding from the last few stressful years before he retired, Dave was ready to pick up where he left off advocating for public education funding.  Dave signed a Memorandum of Agreement December 16, 2022, to serve ALASBO as its Legislative Liaison during the 2023 legislative session. 

Family- Anyone who knew Dave, knows that his children and grandchildren were the loves of his life. Dave was a fabulous father and grandfather! What a blessing he was able to see them all the last few weeks of December. Read the rest rest of Melody's remembrance here. Click here for Service of Remembrance announcement.

CONGRATULATIONS!

The 2022 winner of the ALASBO Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest was a team from Alaska Gateway School District. Congratulations to Patti Bayless, Danielle Weisz and Robbie MacManus. Thank you to all the entrants.

This contest was held during the Tuesday dinner at the ALASBO Annual Conference in Anchorage. Start planning for next year!

Thank You,

Power Lunch Presenters!

January 31:

Grants by Nils Andreassen

Executive Director, Alaska Municipal League (AML)

February 14: Recruitment Through University Job Fairs and Succession Planning - facilitated by Melody Douglas, Associate ED

Budget Presentation Checklist

Create an award-winning budget presentation using the MBA Criteria Checklist as your roadmap to success. Check out award-winning budget documents and see ASBO International’s other MBA resources to get started.When it’s time to apply for the Meritorious Budget Award or Pathway to the MBA, you’ll be all set! All MBA and Pathway to the MBA application materials are due within 90 days of your budget’s legal approval.

Learn more

Dr. Lisa Parady, Executive Director, ACSA



Pictured are some of the over 100 ACSA members attending the ACSA Legislative Fly-In in Juneau, AK February 25 - March 1, 2023.