Last week, charter finance leaders from around the state gathered at the Lincoln Training Center at Advantage Academy in Duncanville, TX to take part in the first ever Spring Charter School Finance Boot Camp. Outside of the TCSA Annual Charter Schools Conference this event was the largest ever gathering of charter leaders in the DFW area.
It was great to get to rub shoulders with so many of my charter friends in one place. Although it sounds a little weird, nothing excites me more that overhearing people chat about MOE, T&E, PEIMS, Title 1, AARA, GL, and Budget Development, to name a few. When I hear these conversations I know that charters are constantly looking to better themselves and be one step ahead. Charter Business Officers are a unique breed who I have grown to appreciate immensely because of the unique way they adapt to deal with an ever growing mountain of financial and operational compliance issues. Together with expert presenters charter leaders were able to gain clarification on key compliance issues and proactively plan for the tight financial times to come over the next biennium as Texas works towards tackling its current deficit.
In true charter style it was not all just business at the Charter School Spring Finance Boot Camp. There is nothing better at the end of a long day than to break bread with friends. Thanks to vendor members, CDA and Vinson&Elkins for sponsoring the Charter School Networking Happy Hour that was attended by more than 40 people. I am still savoring the flavor from the Cajun goodies, specifically the spicy etouffee, yum. Good friends and good times for all.
Thank you again to all of the attendees, sponsors, presenters and staff that helped make this training a success and I look forward to doing it again next spring. Together, we all made this possible.
Matt Abbott, TCSA Director of Training Services