Moving Beyond the Desk
As school business officials, we often focus on our "hard" skills: mastering the latest software, navigating complex budget forecasting, or refining our negotiation techniques. While technical competence is the bedrock of our credibility, the true value of professional development, particularly through organizations like the Missouri Association of School Business Officials and ASBO International, lies in the human element.
My involvement in MoASBO and ASBO has taught me that the "soft" skills are, in fact, sometimes the most challenging to master. Engaging in leadership institutes, executive programs, and wellness opportunities has reinforced a critical truth: We cannot effectively manage our school districts if we do not first effectively manage ourselves.
Whether it is learning how to navigate the human dynamics of negotiations, exploring leadership wellness, or simply connecting with peers facing the same fiscal pressures, these moments away from the desk provide the clarity needed to return to our districts with renewed energy and purpose.
Consider the long-term cost of stagnation versus the compounded interest of continuous growth.
Building a "WE" Narrative
Negotiations offer a prime example of why professional development matters. As school business officials, we are often trained to look at the numbers: the revenue projections, the salary schedules, the fund balances. But as I emphasize in my presentations, negotiations are about more than just the numbers; they are about labor climate and relationships within our organizations.
If you have been an auditor, accountant, actuary, or another “numbers” type of professional, then working on your people skills must also be a priority.
Professional development opportunities like conferences usually offer a variety of “tracks” of learning, including budgeting, human resources, legal, etc. Attending sessions outside of your comfort zone will help you develop those skills that you might be lacking or insufficient in.
In addition, when we invest in our own leadership development, we learn how to become strategic architects of our district's culture and climate. The numbers tell us what we can afford today, but our working relationships determine how well our district survives tomorrow.
The Network Effect
Perhaps the greatest return on investment for professional development is the network. Let’s be honest: The role of a school business official can be isolating. We are often the sole custodians of complex, high-stakes financial realities. Reaching out to peers at conferences gives us a vital sounding board.
Whether we're trying to find the next best budget reduction strategy, troubleshooting negotiation techniques, comparing notes on organizational efficiency, or finding trusted business partners, our professional network turns a solitary job into a collaborative community. We don't have to carry the weight alone.
Our greatest return on investment in our growth is the network we build along the way. Meeting new people at conferences or posting an idea or question on the ASBO Network can both be a great way to find answers to your questions.
A Call to Action
If you are currently questioning whether you have the bandwidth for the next conference, workshop, or webinar, I challenge you to look at it differently. Consider the long-term cost of stagnation versus the compounded interest of continuous growth.
Our school communities are constantly evolving, and we must evolve with them. When we prioritize our own learning, we model a culture of excellence for our entire staff, community, and stakeholders. We ensure that we stay resilient, grounded, and ready to lead through whatever challenges the next decade brings.
And let’s be honest, we are going to need each other’s support as we navigate the next decade in education and school business.
Let’s commit to making professional development a non-negotiable part of our practice. A perfect opportunity to jumpstart that commitment is joining us at the 2026 ASBO International Annual Conference and Expo this October in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The districts we serve deserve leaders who are constantly growing. I hope to see you there.