By Stephanie Weese, CFO, MSBO Board President, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, Livingston ESA
Following are comments given by MSBO Board President Stephanie Weese at MSBO’s Annual Business Meeting held at the 2024 MSBO Annual Conference.
I stand before you today absolutely overwhelmed. To be clear, I knew this day was coming. It is evident when each year my seat kept getting closer and closer to the podium. It just felt like it was far into the future, but here we are! I am filled with a profound sense of honor and responsibility as the newly appointed president. It is both a privilege and a humbling experience to lead such a distinguished group of professionals dedicated to the betterment of MSBO. As we wrap up this year’s annual conference, I am reminded of the immense potential that lies within our association, and I am committed to leading positive change in the year ahead.
First and foremost, I want to say thank you to the MSBO Board- past, present, and future, for your unwavering support and dedication to the members of MSBO. Together, we have accomplished great things, but our work is far from over. As we look to the future, it is imperative that we continue to move our association forward by focusing on the needs of our members.
As a member driven association, we are here to support each other, to share knowledge and best practices, and to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of school business. I pledge to work tirelessly to ensure that MSBO remains a valuable resource for all members, regardless of their experience level or background. To the newer members, I say this: your energy, passion, and willingness to challenge the status quo are exactly what we need to thrive as an association. I encourage you to actively participate, share your insights, ask questions, and help shape the future of MSBO.
We are living in a time of profound demographic change within our association. We are witnessing the emergence of a new generation of leaders, eager to make their mark on the world. We have also seen a significant increase in the number of female members, whose invaluable contributions are shaping the future of our profession. To all of the women out there, your expertise and resilience are inspiring. You are not a token…. you deserve everything you have accomplished. It is essential that we embrace this diversity and leverage it to strengthen MSBO.
However, along with these exciting changes come a host of new challenges and opportunities. One such challenge is the rise of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. While these advancements hold the promise of changing how we approach our work, they also present unique ethical and logistical challenges that must be addressed. As an association, we must be prepared to equip our members with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.
Another pressing issue we face is the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining top talent. In an increasingly competitive job market, attracting and retaining skilled professionals is more critical than ever. We must work diligently to create environments that foster professional growth and development, ensuring that our members have the support they need to succeed in their roles.
Of course, none of these initiatives can succeed without adequate funding. Securing and managing school funding has always been a complex and challenging task, but it is one that is more important now than ever before. From shifting budget priorities and economic uncertainties, let alone trying to figure out the rules around spending the funds. As an association, we will continue our efforts to advocate for equitable and sustainable funding solutions along with educating all of us on the allowable uses of the funds.
In the coming year, addressing these challenges and seizing new opportunities will be a central focus for MSBO. We will invest in practical professional development and resources to empower our members to navigate the complexities of AI and emerging technologies. We will continue to focus our efforts to recruit and retain diverse talent, recognizing that our strength lies in our collective diversity of perspectives and experiences. And we will advocate for equitable and sustainable funding solutions.
In closing, let us embrace the challenges before us with courage and determination. Together, we have the power to shape the future of school business in Michigan. Thank you for your trust in me as a leader, I look forward to the year ahead.
Other Articles in this Newsletter
- ASBO Offers Leadership Opportunity
- Ed Stasiak Reappointed as Associate Member Representative to the MSBO Board
- Financial Statement Preparation Workshop
- Get Hands-on Knowledge in School Finance
- How Time Flies When You Are Having Fun – Mary Beth Rogers
- MSBO Business Manager/CPA Workshop
- MSBO Update – Robert Dwan
- Welcome New Members