Description

Director of Fiscal Services Academy

Class Schedule for 2025

• January 24th & 25th
• February 21st & 22nd
• March 14th & 15th
• April 25th & 26th
• May 16th & 17th

Now more than ever, there is a great need in the business office for well-trained staff to support teaching and learning.  The validity and accuracy of the district’s financial reports and projections are dependent upon the skill of school business employees managing complex financial systems and data.  To succeed, these school business professionals must be well-trained and understand the theories, methodology, and nuisances of California school finance and accounting.

Comprehensive Curriculum

This program emphasizes specific and pragmatic skills that school fiscal leaders need to know to thrive as school business professionals. The content of this academy is presented in an in-line lecture format, relying upon class discussion, small group projects, and out-of-class assignments/practical applications. There all also some self-passed courses that will be assigned as part of the program.  All participants must take monthly assessments and pass a comprehensive final exam to qualify for the state of California-approved Director of Fiscal Services certificate.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Director of Fiscal Serviced Certificate Program has been created as a comprehensive program designed to produce new or improve the existing skills of experienced or aspiring directors of fiscal service, CBOs and to enhance the knowledge and skill set of other school business personnel. The class consists of a broad base of education and training that occurs both in the classroom setting and by practical application. The academy operates from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (PST) on Fridays and from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (PST) on Saturdays. Following this structured timeframe, participants are then provided with self-paced courses, allowing them the flexibility to take these classes at their convenience. The academy allows for participants to expand their skill sets in a challenging yet encouraging environment. Specialized assignments and class projects are done individually and as part of small teams. Participants who successfully complete the course will be issued a TSS Director of Fiscal Services Certificate.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Attendance and Participation – Participants are expected to attend and contribute to all sessions and must attend all classes in order to receive the TSS Director of Fiscal Services Certificate.   If an emergency arises, one session may be made-up by writing an academic paper on the missed classes’ subject matter pre-approved by the program’s director.

2. Group Projects – There will be various in-class group projects that students will participate in. During these group projects students may be asked to act in various roles such as facilitator, scribe, group leader, etc.

3. Presentation – Participants are required to present one 20-minute PowerPoint presentation on a topic related to school business.

4. Readings – Various readings will be assigned during the academy.   Students will analyze readings and participate in group discussions or writing assignments to apply concepts to real-world situations.

5. Practicum-Participants will select an appropriate practicum which will be due by the end of the course.  The practicum can be a variety of activities, including a needed District project or a specific interview with an experienced CBO, Director of Fiscal Service, School Accountant, etc.  The practicum topic/project must be agreed to by the coordinator.

6. Assessments and Final Exam – Monthly assessments will be given to assess progress and students are required to pass a final exam before earning the Director of Fiscal Services Certificate.

7. Other – Various but limited written or other assignments.

Presenters

The Director of this program is TSS Executive Vice President Dr. Joseph Pandolfo, who brings over 30 years of education industry experience and moderates all sessions to ensure the continuity of the curriculum.  Presenters for the program are amongst the highest caliber professionals in the state and include current and retired CBOs, ACSA and CASBO members, superintendents, and other administrators.