federal level to bring the various stakeholders such as the business community, specifically, utility companies, cellular phone providers and regulators to the table. Collectively, stakeholders should begin to address infra- structure inequities and design a robust infrastructure that supports rural and low-income communities. State affiliates, with the support of ASBOI (to include data and messaging strategies) would advocate in the same manner, though at the state level, to achieve the same result(s).
This concept is not limited to the example above but can be applied to highlight the needs of students in poverty, the financial disparities by district because of property values/state funding formulas or the needs of our special education students, etc. As President Reagan said, “Education is like a diamond with many facets.” It is those many facets that we need to ensure we don’t lose sight of when making education policy and it is those many facets that are the names and faces of amaz- ing children throughout the world. Regardless of their situation, students have the ability to learn, achieve and be proficient. It is our responsibility to foster an envi- ronment where our schools are receiving the additional resources to close the achievement gap and accelerate learning for all students.
Question 2: What needs do school business officials have now and what skills will they need in the next 5-10 years that ASBO International should focus on? The immediate need of school business officials is having a larger pool of a quality workforce in order to maintain continuity and sustainability in the field. In the next five to ten years, ASBOI should focus on assist- ing its affiliates with accelerating the development of the next “school business official leaders of tomorrow” to include: 1. Leadership and effective management skills 2. Understanding of the legislative process and effective communication skills
3. Strong technical skills, including information technol- ogy, accounting, communication, etc.
Question 3: With a goal of continuing to meet the needs of all our members, what can ASBO International do to encourage racial diversity on the board, on committees, in our membership, and in our cadre of professional development presenters? As I reflected on this question, it reminded me of what I love about the community Jill and I have raised Mikey and Reagan in; Laveen is about 15 minutes southwest of Phoenix.
In Laveen you will find, equestrian trails, farms, cot- ton fields, dairy farms and farmer markets. Homes are on one to two acre lots but you will also see new home construction and retail. Laveen has both young and
34 JULY/AUGUST 2021 | SCHOOL BUSINESS AFFAIRS
older generations of families and is very racially diverse. As a community, we realize that all cultures have some- thing to offer, we treat each other with respect and are accepting of each other. Simply put, Laveen is a welcom- ing community, no matter your skin color, background or socio-economic situation. I have found ASBOI to be welcoming, too. Individuals like Randy Evans, Mark Pepera, Brenda Burkett, Ron McCulley, Brian Mee, Tom Wohlleber, Clair Hertz and the current board (to name a few) have left an impres- sion that is encouraging and leaves me with the desire to be part of ASBOI. Like you and the rest of the indi- viduals mentioned, I believe I can be welcoming and have something to offer. My experiences and journey as a school business official, which includes successes and failures, help to ensure that I can share what I’ve learned with others who aspire to lead in their districts. It is my firm belief that to attract non-engaged members or potential members, we must continue to be welcom- ing to everyone from all walks of life. This continues to be our best, and most authentic effort to encourage the diversity that will make us better and successful in achieving incredible things for students across the world.
Lynn Knight, CRSM Director of Business Services School District of Nekoosa Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Lynn Knight has been the director of business services for the School District of Nekoosa for the past 13 years. Prior to this position, she spent
seven years working in a public accounting firm auditing governmental entities, including school districts. She is a past president of the Wisconsin ASBO and this year was recognized as Wisconsin ASBO’s 2021 School Business Manager of the Year. A past president of the local United Way, she currently serves as treasurer on the United Way board. One of her passions is animal rescue; she has vol- unteered for a not-for-profit dog rescue and helped place more than 100 dogs into their forever homes. However, she is considered a foster failure as she has adopted five rescue dogs that she previously was fostering.
VISION STATEMENT
As I reflect on a vision statement for ASBO, it’s difficult gather all that’s happened in the past year to predict how a business official’s role will change in the future. ASBO’s vision to be the leading authority in school business profession will continue. To go further, to be the leading authority in school business profession by recognizing the changing role of business officials and serving the needs by providing networking opportunities, offering professional developing, and advocating for school dis- tricts across the world.
asbointl.org
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