NASBO State Convention - Younes Conference Center - Kearney

Wednesday, April 23, 2014 (All day) to Friday, April 25, 2014 (All day)

Session Handouts and Presentations (PDF)

THURSDAY SESSIONS

Basic Legal Issues for Bid Solicitation and School Purchasing


Breaking News on Obamacare (and for Once It Isn't Bad)

 

GMS 101 for Bookkeepers

 

How to Prepare for an Audit

 

Payroll and Record Retention

 

Procedure Documentation- Facts to Know and Understand

 

School Finance Update

 

Special Education Finance

 

Update on Your 403b Offering


FRIDAY SESSIONS

Session Schedule

Session 1         Borrowing, Budgeting, Interfund Transfers, and NDE Fiscal Rules

Session 2         IRS Bond Audits, Post-Issuance Compliance Policy & Procedures, Underwriter v. Financial Advisor, QCPUF, Tech Bonds & Lease-Purchase Agreements

Session 3         NEW 4-4-2014 IRS Notice on Windsor Decision and Rev. Rul. 2013-17 to 403(b), 457, Flexible Benefit and Other Plans (Notice 2014-19); Taxation of same-sex benefits and New rules on pay stubs (LB560), background checks (LB907) & Supt Transparency (LB470)

Session 4         State Auditor Fiscal Rulings and Issues

 

THURSDAY, APRIL 24th

7:30 - 5:00       Exhibits Open - Crystal 3

7:30 - 8:30       Registration

8:30 - 9:30       Welcome & General Session I

Legislative Update - Crystal 1&2

Presenters: Mike Dulaney - Nebraska Council of School Administrators and Jim Gessford - Perry, Guthery, Haase & Gessford

This session will include an update on current legislation as it relates to school finance and retirement in the 2014 Legislative Session. In addition, information will be shared on other educational bills.

9:30 - 10:00      Break & Networking - Crystal 3

10:00 - 10:45    Concurrent Sessions I

How to Prepare for an Audit - Diamond 1

Presenter: Marcy Luth - Almquist, Maltzahn, Galloway & Luth

Good practices throughout the year will make audit preparation much easier. We will discuss techniques auditees can use during the year so they are ready to print their reconciliations/spreadsheets and hand them over to the auditors rather than stressing to get ready for the audit in September.

Managing Stress in Our Lives - Diamond 2

Presenters: Linda Kenedy and Howie Halperin - EHA Wellness

This session will give the attendees information on what causes stress, our reaction to it, and ways to reduce stress in our daily lives.

EHA Health Insurance Update - Diamond 3

Presenters: Kent Trelford-Thompson - Blue Cross Blue Shield of NE and Greg Long - EHA

In this session Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska and EHA will discuss the 2014/2015 rates and plan changes due to the Affordable Care Act. This will include the new inner workings of every policy to comply with federal government regulations. They will also explain the ongoing process of the verification for all new dependents along with other topics that have been approved by the EHA Board of Directors.

NPERS Retirement Update - Ruby 6

Presenter: Matt Effken - NE Public Employees Retirement System

This session will be an update on changes to statues and regulations governing the school employee retirement plan. Issues to be discussed will include capping of compensation, separation from service, return to work, buy-backs of refunded service credit, and purchases of airtime.

10:45 - 11:15    Break & Networking - Crystal 3

11:15 - 12:00    Concurrent Sessions II

Update on Your 403b Offering - Diamond 1

Presenter: Jared Faltys, CPA - 403b Consultants

This session will share details on what you should know about your school’s 403b plan documents, participant education, audits, and an update on 403b’s.

For What Students are We Financially Responsible? - Diamond 2

Presenters: Jim Gessford, Greg Perry, and Josh Schauer - Perry, Guthery, Haase & Gessford

This session will address a district’s financial responsibility for certain students.  It will specifically address how, when and why a district can become financially responsible for a student. The speakers will also discuss conflicts that arise between school districts in this regard.

Basic Legal Issues for Bid Solicitations and School Purchasing - Diamond 3

Presenter: Steve Williams - Harding & Shultz

School Districts are charged with purchasing all textbooks, equipment, and supplies necessary for their schools; arranging for services such as utilities, transportation, and maintenance; and making all other necessary provisions for its students, staff, and school buildings. The bidding and purchasing process does not have to be legally complicated. In this session, Steve Williams will review some competitive bidding requirements and exceptions, general bidding principles, and basic contractual considerations to assist you in the bidding and purchasing process.

Being Proactive; Changing the NE Teacher Certification System - Ruby 6

Presenter: Kevin Peters - NDE

Significant implications have been created for our current certification system with the adoption of the Teacher/Principal frameworks, piloting of a model Teacher/Principal evaluation, and a national agenda focusing on Teacher/Principal quality, supply, and accountability. Our first series of changes were within our current structure.  They include the implementation of content testing in September 2015 and revision of endorsement requirements.  The next series may ask us to look outside our comfort zone into other methods of certification including the use of continuing professional development courses for recertification or the acceptance of alternative pathways. Ideas will be presented with an opportunity for participants to share their feedback.

12:00 - 1:00       Lunch - Crystal 1&2

1:00 - 1:45        General Session II  

Building Relationships Before You Need Them: Treat All People Like Gold - Crystal 1&2

Presenter: Jeff Beals - Keynote Publishing

As savvy professionals, school business officials know that some of their success depends on other people. All professional relationships matter as you never know who could become your boss someday, recommend you for a job or provide you with the necessary help to complete an important project. Treat all people like gold because your success ultimately depends on it. In this session, award-winning author and international speaker Jeff Beals recommends you constantly build relationships before you need them. Beals will provide you with a new perspective on the age-old art of networking. You'll learn what to say and to whom you should say it. Once you master the art of networking, your colleagues will wonder why you are so well connected and have such a seemingly easy time mobilizing the efforts of others.

1:45 - 2:00        Break & Exhibit Viewing - Crystal 3

 2:00 - 2:45       Concurrent Sessions III

Special Education Finance - Diamond 1

Presenter: Stuart Clark - ESU #1

Stuart will review the various special education funding sources and the corresponding account codes and expenditure constraints. Participants will leave with knowledge of “maintenance of effort” (MOE) and how to better manage their district’s financial responsibility for special education.

GMS 101 for Bookkeepers - Diamond 2

Presenters: Shane Rhian, Kiley Taylor, and Lori Adams - NDE

This introductory session provides a basic understanding of payments made through the Grants Management System (GMS) and is specifically designed for bookkeepers, financial managers, and those responsible for completing reimbursement requests through the GMS.  Attendees will learn key terminology and navigational functions used within the GMS along with processes used to complete and submit reimbursement of funds.  There will be a special emphasis placed on the preparation claims for fiscal auditing and monitoring.

Breaking News on Obamacare (and for Once It Isn’t Bad) - Diamond 3

Presenters: Karen Haase and Bobby Truhe - Harding & Shultz

On February 10, 2014, the IRS issued final PPACA regulations related to the large employer mandate (aka "Pay or Play"). Surprisingly, these regulations contain many provisions that will assist school districts in complying with PPACA. Some school districts get yet another year to comply (2016).  Even better, some school districts may no longer be deemed "large employers" due to changes in the counting rules.  And best of all, transition relief through the start of school districts' fiscal year is likely available for most districts! Come to this session so Karen and Bobby can finally give you some good news!

 Procedure Documentation: Facts to Know and Understand - Ruby 6

Presenter: Jan Glenn - ESU #3

Documentation of procedures is an important part of any operation. This session will focus on accounting related procedures. You will learn why they are important, the basics of what should be documented, and the critical accounting areas that should be documented.

2:45 - 3:00        Break & Exhibitor Viewing - Crystal 3

3:00 - 3:45        Concurrent Session IV

School Finance Update - Diamond 1

Presenter:  Bryce Wilson - NDE

We will be discussing changes to school finance including; state aid, coding and federal programs.

Job Descriptions Do’s and Don’ts - Diamond 2

Presenters: Jim Gessford, Greg Perry, and Josh Schauer - Perry, Guthery, Haase & Gessford

In this session, the attorneys from the Perry Law Firm will discuss issues related to job descriptions. The topics will range from FLSA matters to workers’ compensation benefits, and the session will address how job descriptions can impact a school’s bottom line.

Payroll & Record Retention - The What, When, and Where - Diamond 3

Presenter: Bobby Truhe - Harding & Shultz

From Obamacare to the Fair Labor Standards Act to the Nebraska Secretary of State, several state and federal laws place record keeping requirements on school districts.  Attorneys from Harding & Shultz will take you through these various requirements and help you understand your existing and new requirements for record retention.

“The Importance of Continuing Disclosure for Bond Issues” - Ruby 6

Presenters: Dallas Watkins and Jay Spearman - Ameritas Investment Corp.

The participants will learn more about the details of the Continuing Disclosure Requirements for outstanding bond issues as regulated by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) and updates to Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA).

3:45 - 4:30       NASBO Business Meeting - Crystal 1&2

5:30                  NASBO Social & DinnerThunderhead Brewery


FRIDAY APRIL 25th

8:00 - 9:00        Continental Breakfast - Crystal 1&2

9:00 - 11:30      General Session III  - Crystal 1&2

Cliff Notes for Business Officials - Information to Know When Dealing With Public Funds

Facilitator: Jim Gessford - Perry, Guthery, Haase & Gessford

From borrowing, budgeting, inter-fund transfers, and NDE fiscal rules to dealing with IRS audits, State Auditor rulings, the new Rule G-23 for financial advisors, and state taxation of same-sex benefits, this session will address a potpourri of issues to know about when dealing with public funds.

 

 
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