Learning

Money Talks Webinar Series

Free Webinars on Wisconsin School Funding

This informative monthly webinar series is focused on funding Wisconsin schools, with 45-minute virtual webinars that are almost always held on the last Friday of each month at 8:30 AM. This webinar series is hosted by WASBO Executive Director Mike Barry, Money Talks Co-Founder Brian Adesso, and WASBO Treasurer Andy Weiland, with possible special guests every month! Jump on the call, listen, learn, and feel free to ask a question. This webinar is available at no charge to all, so please share it with your Superintendent, colleagues, and anyone else who could benefit from a better understanding of the financial environment surrounding Wisconsin schools.

 

 

Reccomended Podcast

School Perceptions Podcast: How Does District Consolidation and Dissolution Work in Wisconsin?

WASBO recommends our members listen to this podcast, where Bob Soldner sits down with Derek to discuss the processes, actors, and decisions involved when Wisconsin school districts need to fold or join with their neighbors to provide a quality education. What role do finances play? Will taxpayers in those districts save money? What things ought district leaders and the community to think about?

LISTEN TO PODCAST

 

Who Should Attend

  • Those in the Business Office
  • Superintendents
  • Everyone else!

Recent Webinar Resources

May 29, 2026: The DPI-PALOOZA Episode

SPED Aid % | High Cost Proration | Key Reporting Deadlines | Plus: The State Budget Surplus Deal that Wasn't

Speakers:  Mike Barry (WASBO Executive Director) | Anne Chapman (WASBO Research Director) | Danielle Bosanec (WASBO Professional Development Director) | Andy Weiland (Business Manager, Oregon) | Brian Adesso (Director of Business Services, Menasha)

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May 2026 Money Talks Highlights

  • Failed Budget Surplus and Special Education Reimbursement: The panel discussed the fallout from Wisconsin’s collapsed state budget surplus deal. Districts that briefly anticipated special education reimbursement rates of 42–50% are now left with a final current‑year rate of about 38.39%, prompting the hosts to advise budgeting conservatively at around 39–40% for the upcoming year.
  • High-Cost Special Education Proration: Presenters reviewed high-cost special education proration, noting it will sit around 31–31.5% this year and likely 40–50% on a 90% eligible‑cost base next year. They also stressed the importance of using strategies such as program-based claims to maximize reimbursement.
  • Equalization Aid and Tax Credits: The group warned that the upcoming July 1 equalization aid estimate will offer little good news due to a lack of new money in the aid pool. They urged districts to finalize and clean up budget data in June while monitoring potential shifts in the school levy tax credit.
  • WASBO Professional Standards and Alternative Licensing: The webinar highlighted WASBO’s ongoing work with the DPI to soon formalize statewide professional standards. The discussion also covered long-term efforts to establish an alternative licensing pathway for business and finance roles in smaller districts that do not fit the traditional 5008-licensed model.
  • End-of-Year Fiscal Preparation: The panel outlined essential June to-dos, including getting cash in the bank by June 30, completing OPEB studies, preparing for audits, managing purchasing and inventory timing, and aligning summer school with fiscal years. They strongly recommended securing a preliminary budget by June to ensure July 1 spending is properly authorized.

 

Past Webinar Resources