2008

I appreciate this vote of confidence from the MSBO Board of Directors. I am excited to be asked to serve as the next executive director.

“There are other people in my district who are members of MSBO. What would I get out of being a member?”

Declining interest rates due to our lagging economy has many school districts wondering if they should refinance their debt. According to data obtained from the Michigan Municipal Advisory Council, 62 Michigan school districts issued a total of $1,050,650,000 in refinancing bonds in 2007.

The Citizen’s Research Council (CRC) tracks trends in state government spending. They estimate that the MPSERS rate will rise annually for the foreseeable future. For 2006-07 the effective rate was 17.74% of payroll. For 2007-08 the rate is 16.72%.

On March 6, MSBO will hold its first ever renewable energy workshop. The subject of renewable energy has certainly been in the news, but what does it mean to schools?

In the wake of the final 403(b) regulations, as well as subsequent IRS guidance in Revenue Procedure 2007-71, 403(b) plan sponsors, along with their legal counsel, are busily reviewing and making decisions regarding their plans in preparation for the January 1, 2009 general effective date of some important new requirement

Without good data, it is hard to make good decisions. One good decision you can make today is to register for the February MIEM Quality Data Workshop Series.

MSBO, in conjunction with MASB and MASA, is proud to be able to offer school districts throughout Michigan the opportunity to save money through a special “purchasing card” program.

The MSBO Nominations Committee has made its recommendations for the
2008 MSBO Board of Directors Election. The Committee, which included past MSBO presidents, reviewed several nominees for the two open director positions. The following elections slate was presented for Board review and approval:

Plan to attend the 2008 MSBO Annual Conference from April 29 - May 1, 2008, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids. Watch for registration information to come your way soon!