Effective budget development, approval and oversight begins with understanding how Oklahoma funds public schools. Join the OSSBA team and education leaders from across the state as we take a deep-dive to understand Oklahoma school finance, the local board of education’s critical role in overseeing fiscal matters and how to ensure the school district’s budget aligns with its priorities.

• 9-11:15 a.m. – The Basics of Public School Funding: Understanding Oklahoma’s system of public school funding is critical to proper governance. We’ll cover funding sources, how money is apportioned to schools and key legal limitations and flexibilities related to school funding.  

•11:15-Noon – Lunch

•Noon-12:50 p.m. – School Budgets and the Board’s Role: Approving the budget and overseeing district finances are key functions of a school board. We’ll discuss the budget development process as well as the role of board members, administrators and other district finance employees in the process; questions board members should consider during the process; and annual auditing requirements. 

•1-1:50 p.m. – Purchase Orders, Encumbrances and Warrants, Oh My! The statutory accounting requirements for public schools can be confusing. In this session, we will focus on how the money from various types of funds can be spent and the process that must be followed before money can be disbursed. 

•2-3 p.m. – From the Board Table: Providing Fiscal Leadership: You’ll hear from a panel of experienced school board members about how they approach the board’s fiscal leadership and oversight duties and strive to ensure student-focused budgets aligned with school district priorities. 

School Finance Institute is eligible for five finance credits for school board members and five treasurer/encumbrance clerk credits.

Workshop materials will be available for registered attendees the morning of the workshop through the OSSBA member portal.

Thank you to our lunch sponsor:

Online registration is available through the OSSBA member portal. For information or questions about the member portal, please contact Lisa Deaton or Jennifer Carel by email with your name, district, and email address or call 888.528.3571.

Registration is $150 for members, $300 for non-members. Registrations are due on or before February 24. Notice of cancellation must be received in writing by the registration due date for a refund (less a $25 cancellation fee). No refunds will be offered after the due date. Registrations after the deadline (including on-site) are $175 ($350 for non-members).