That afternoon, the information presented at the workshop and some coaxing by Barton-Kramer enticed me into the world of school business certification. What’s more, the timing was right. I had already decided to pursue the flexible Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with Capella University. I would prepare for the SFO exam while getting my MBA online. I was only 52 years old, and it had been over 30 years since I was in college, so why not?
I presented the nature and value of the credential to our school board, which I believe was helpful as the district launched a $134 million construction program we called “Vision 2023” in 2019.
In Preparation
To properly prepare for the SFO exam, I joined ASBO International and took advantage of the many resources available. I dutifully studied the components of the SFO exam that weren’t part of my everyday responsibilities as chief financial officer of Fort Smith Public Schools (FSPS) in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
I watched online presentations from SFO Commission Committee members reviewing the exam's areas of focus. I was pleasantly surprised to find that many aspects of my daily work duties were included in the exam, and I could turn my knowledge into the correct answers.
My district supported my attendance at my first ASBO Annual Conference & Expo (ACE) in National Harbor, Maryland, where I took the test in person the day before ACE began. It was my first proctored test since taking the CPA exam in 1988, and I took every minute of the test time allocated to me.
Fortunately, with the exam behind me, I felt confident enough to fully enjoy my first ACE. I loved the structure and professionalism of the conference, received relevant quality CPEs, and met colleagues from across the country and outside our national borders. I was hooked for life.
When I learned that I had passed, I eagerly shared my success with family and friends, who had no idea that I had even taken the test. Then, I joined the Certification Commission. I learned more about all areas of the SFO exam, wrote a few questions, and worked with a team of volunteers who reviewed and enhanced many aspects of the SFO exam and certification process. I currently serve as the vice-chair of the commission.
Spreading the Word
I may have been the first SFO in Arkansas, but I had no desire to be the only one. I became a living advertisement for the SFO credential in Arkansas. I told my SFO story around the state and encouraged others to “just do it.” I’m pleased to share that we have multiple SFOs in Arkansas, including my colleague at FSPS, Angie Davis.
I also promoted the value of the SFO designation at FSPS. I presented the nature and value of the credential to our school board, which I believe was helpful as the district launched a $134 million construction program we called “Vision 2023” in 2019.
The SFO after my name lent more credibility to the district’s progress reports as we discussed challenges and achievements during the renovations and grade restructuring. A creative solution to one of those challenges led to me being recognized with ASBO’s 2022 Pinnacle of Excellence Award.
I continue to encourage ArkASBO members to obtain the SFO credential. As the SFO is promoted in the state, I hope that state legislators, local school boards, and district leadership will understand its importance.
The SFO certification promotes competencies in today’s complex school finance arena and benefits all public education stakeholders.