Session Descriptions
Student Sessions
Ed-Fi and MARSS WES – VIRTUAL SESSION
Tips and tricks for resolving errors and comparing local MARSS reports in order to certify your data to report Ed-Fi only in MARSS Web Edit System (WES).
Presenter: Kari P. Johnson, MDE
Session Time: 9:00 am – Conference Rooms 107 and 114
Presenter: Kari P. Johnson, MDE
Session Time: 9:00 am – Conference Rooms 107 and 114
MARSS End of Year Reporting
Learn about MARSS reports that are crucial for End of Year reporting. What local and statewide reports need to be verified before you close out the year? Who needs to review those reports? Why all these errors after April 1st? More errors after May 1st? How do I know when I'm done with End of Year reporting?
Presenter: Wendy Borchert, SWWC
Session Time: 10:20 am – Training Room 102A
Presenter: Wendy Borchert, SWWC
Session Time: 10:20 am – Training Room 102A
New Features in JMC & Assessing Data Quality for MN State Reporting
At JMC, we are rolling out some new features that we will review, along with best practices for reviewing MARSS and Ed-Fi data quality.
Presenter: Paul Freid, JMC
Session Time: 12:30 pm – Training Room 102C
Presenter: Paul Freid, JMC
Session Time: 12:30 pm – Training Room 102C
VPK and EC Reporting Review – VIRTUAL SESSION
A review of VPK and EC MARSS reporting will be provided.
Presenter: Kateri Little, MDE
Session Time: 1:45 pm – Conference Rooms 107 and 114
Presenter: Kateri Little, MDE
Session Time: 1:45 pm – Conference Rooms 107 and 114
Payroll Sessions
SMART HR
SMART HR/Payroll – Wow for mandatory changes in the last year ... see new features, reminders and tips to make you more efficient. Bring your questions or ideas!
Presenter: Stefanie Sylte, SMART Systems
Session Time: 10:20 am – Training Room 102B
TRA’s Employer Overview
TRA will present on payroll including corrections, leaves and eligibility.
Presenter: Margaret Sullivan, MN Teachers Retirement Association
Session Time: 12:30 pm – Conference Room 114
Payroll Compliance 101 for HR Professionals – VIRTUAL SESSION
HR professionals are not always responsible for processing payroll and might be outsourced or handled by another department. With so much overlap in personnel policies and compliance between HR and payroll, it's important that all HR professionals have a foundational knowledge of payroll compliance. From tax basics to expanding your knowledge on State and Federal Requirements. Payroll Compliance 101 will equip you with essential knowledge to ensure your people are paid correctly.
Presenter: Leah Davis, Abdo
Session Time: 1:45 pm – Training Room 102C
Finance Sessions
Special Education Finance
This session will cover a special education finance update for SFY 25 and 26, changes to SEDRA reporting for SFY26, and reporting costs for students placed in care and treatment.
Presenter: Paul Ferrin, MDE
Session Time: 10:20 am – Training Room 102C
UFARS Hot Topics
This session will discuss FY26 UFARS Codes, which will include updates from the 2025 legislative session, and various UFARS accounting reminders.
Presenter: Deb Meier & Molly Koppes, MDE
Session Time: 12:30 pm – Training Room 102A and 102B
EL Revenue and Cross Subsidy/General Education Sampler
This session offers an overview of English Learner (EL) funding and EL Cross Subsidy. Attendees will learn about eligibility, calculations, distribution, and financial reporting requirements. Also included are recent updates, where to find resources and other general education revenues will also be provided.
Presenter: Kelly Wosika, Kristine Anderson, Deb Meier, Molly Koppes, MDE
Session Time: 1:45 pm – Training Room 102A and 102B
All Attendees Sessions
MSBA Hot Topics
Every day brings a new set of challenges – and a few head-scratchers. This session highlights the most significant and talked-about current events affecting school district finance, HR, and operations. We’ll focus on what’s new, what’s changing, and what to keep your eyes on next.
Presenter: Tiffany Gustin, MSBA
Session Time: 9:00 am – Training Rooms 102A, 102B and 102C
AI & Security
This presentation introduces business managers to the growing role of AI and how it can support smarter decisions, improved efficiency, and long-term growth. It will also highlight the importance of strong data security practices when adopting AI with protecting sensitive information and managing risk being essential to maintaining trust and ensuring responsible use of emerging technologies.
Presenter: David Berner & Jamie Unke, SWWC
Session Time: 12:30 pm – Conference Room 107
Roofing, Funding, and Smart Planning for School Business Managers - Session Canceled
Roofing is often one of a district’s largest facility investments. This session guides business managers through life-cycle tracking, considerations for utilizing new LTFM project funding, and strategies to prioritize work and maintain predictable budgets for taxpayers. A case study illustrates these practices in action.
Presenter: Michael Hubbard & Karen Klein, ICS
Session Time: 1:45 pm – Conference Room 107