Get Involved in IASBO!

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love the Iowa Association of School Business Officials (IASBO)! One of the first things I tell anyone starting out in school business is that you can’t truly be successful in this job without IASBO. When I began my career in school business over 28 years ago, one of the first things I did was join IASBO. It was one of the best decisions I ever made!

School finance is a unique, complex,and ever-changing field—especially in today’s environment. In many districts, even larger ones, there may only be one licensed school business official (SBO), which can leave you feeling like you’re on an island. IASBO changes that. It gives you the opportunity to connect with other SBOs, build a strong support network, and stay current on laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.

There are many ways to get involved. At the very least, I recommend attending all regional meetings and conferences to stay connected with colleagues and up to date on important information. But if you want to take your involvement further—which I highly encourage—there are countless opportunities: hosting or teaching a session, joining social events, serving your region, or even joining the IASBO Board. I can promise you won’t regret it!

Over the years, I’ve met so many amazing people through IASBO—many of whom have become lifelong friends. Being a school business official is a challenging yet rewarding career. You play a critical role in ensuring resources are managed wisely so students receive the best education possible. And IASBO is there to help you navigate the challenges along the way.

Even after retiring as an SBO and becoming a consultant with Vista Iowa, I was excited to continue my involvement with IASBO and stay connected with the incredible people in the organization. As former SBOs, Vista Iowa consultants also recognize the importance of staying up to date on laws and regulations to better serve our clients. Attending IASBO conferences and sessions help us accomplish this.

In summary, I encourage you to get involved with the Iowa Association of School Business Officials (IASBO)—it will make all the difference! I hope to see you at the next conference!