Business Manager Academy

“Engage through knowledge, application, and mentorship.”

MSBO has partnered with skilled past and present business managers to share their knowledge and experience in school finance. The Academy is designed for those who want to gain in-depth, practical, “hands-on” working knowledge in school finance. Coupled with individual mentoring opportunities, the program will assist participants in their positions, and as part of an overall school district administrative team. The 2024-25 Academy begins August 2024 and runs through June 2025.

Investing in MSBO Members Scholarships

Multiple scholarships have been granted for each Business Manager Academy site for 2024-25. In addition to the Applicant Criteria, district financial information will be used to assess the need. Criteria considered: Early Warning District; Percentage of Disadvantaged Students; Percentage of Fund Balance (last completed year); Negative Enrollment Trends. Priority will also be given based on experience as the lead school business official in the school district. Be sure to check the box on the application if you wish to be considered for a scholarship.

The application for the 2024-25 cohort is now OPEN!

Application Deadline: July 31, 2024.

  • Your complete application must be submitted by July 15, 2024 to be eligible for scholarship consideration.
  • As part of the application process, you will be required to submit two letters of recommendation, as well as a Commitment Letter that includes your signature and the signature of your superintendent.
    Download the Commitment Letter
  • You can save your application and continue it later if necessary. To do so, scroll to the bottom of the application, click “Save and Continue Later,” and follow the provided instructions.
  • Accepted applicants will be notified and provided a link to register and pay. Payment needs to be made before the first session begins.

The 2024-25 Business Manager Academy will be held with two options:

  • Virtual – (Meet twice a month – 3 hours each meeting)
  • Hybrid – (Genesee Career Institute – Meet once a month for 6 hours August-October and March-June. Meet twice a month for 3 hours virtually November-February. )

MSBO certification credit is available and college credit may be available. SCECHs will be awarded pending approval.

The Business Manager Academy provides:

  • Online technical content provided for advanced self-study
  • Facilitated “in-person” work sessions designed to foster skills through “real-world” case examples
  • Individual mentoring opportunities to allow for personalized professional support
  • MSBO certification renewal credit is available
  • SCECHs and college credit will be awarded pending approval

Topics for discussion include:

  • Budgeting
  • Cash flow and borrowing
  • Working relations with unions, board members, superintendent, staff, and public including presentations, communication, and navigating various political situations in ways that allow the district to move forward
  • Human resource topics
  • Negotiating collective bargaining agreements
  • Facilities, Food Service, Transportation, Technology and Curriculum Topics
  • Bond issues security
  • Other topics as brought forth from participants or related to current issues

Program Fees

$1,100 fee includes all course materials, refreshment breaks and meals. You will be responsible for overnight accommodations (if needed) and travel expenses. Note: Consistent attendance for the Business Manager Academy is extremely important. If you miss more than two meetings, you could be dropped from the program without a refund.

BMA Cohort Graduates

  • Click here to see the list of cohort graduates.
CTA

Become A Member


Join more than 4,000 members employed in various areas of school business management who are interested in furthering their careers and improving their leadership and management skills.

Join Now! Learn More ›