Deep Learning | Academies & Certifications

WASBO offers numerous programs and certification opportunities. WASBO’s academies provide targeted, cohort-based professional learning experiences that support school business, operations, educational leadership, and specialized program management across Wisconsin. Each academy combines focused curriculum, expert guidance, and collaborative learning structures to help participants build skills that directly strengthen district operations and student outcomes. Those new to the Business Office should be sure to check out the First Year Academy, which offers packages that provide you with deep registration discounts, timely sessions covering the critical business office issues just ahead on the calendar, and the opportunity to develop a support network of professionals and coaches from around the state. Additionally, WASBO University offers ten certifications for both current and future leaders in the school business and facilities offices.

Academies

WASBO’s academies offer comprehensive, role specific development pathways that support professionals at every stage of their careers. From the flagship Wally Zastrow Leadership Academy’s yearlong transformational experience to the practical grounding of the First Year Academy, these programs build leadership capacity across business, facilities, and operational roles. Specialized academies deepen expertise in areas such as referendum planning, custodial leadership, technology integration, and special education budgeting, giving teams the tools to navigate complex challenges with confidence. Together, these academies strengthen district operations, advance professional growth, and help Wisconsin school leaders create environments where students and staff can thrive.

Wally Zastrow Leadership Academy

Whether you’re a School Business Manager, Facilities Director, or Custodial Leader, every decision you make directly shapes the experiences of students, the wellbeing of staff, and the overall success of your district. That’s why WASBO’s Leadership Academy stands as WASBO's premier professional development experience. This transformational, yearlong academy is not just another program. It’s a defining career milestone. The academy is comprised of six two-day sessions throughout the school year.

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First Year Academy

The First Year Academy is a new cohort-based program designed to support new school business office and facility professionals across the state. Replacing the Year of Success, this model expands access to essential learning, fosters local networking, and accommodates a broader range of job roles. The academy consists of three meetings: A two-day session in both the fall and winter along with a final meeting with both the north and south cohorts at the Spring Conference.

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Referendum Academies

WASBO and WASDA's Referendum Academies have two focused tracks: Capital and Operational. These academies will help district teams understand the history and causes behind referendums, strengthen financial forecasting, ensure legal compliance, and sharpen communication and resource management. These yearlong academies meet multiple times throughout the year, both in person and virtually, giving participants the knowledge and confidence to navigate referendum initiatives successfully.

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Lead Custodian Academy

Coinciding with WASBO's Custodian & Maintenance Conferences, this two-day Academy will empower custodians by teaching them leadership strategies and prepare them to reach the next level in their career. The first day of the academy will dive deep into developing the skills and knowledge required to excel in their role as a leader, while the second day is all about technical skill development for custodians to excel. Multiple academies will be offered each summer.

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Leveraging Technology Academy

The Leveraging Technology for Educational Excellence Academy is a professional learning program jointly sponsored by WASBO, WASDA, and AWSA. This academy is supported through a partnership with Waukesha County Technical College. It is designed to equip teams of Wisconsin school and district leaders with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to effectively and responsibly integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education. This Academy meets in-person and virtually throughout the year.

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Special Education Budgeting Academy

WASBO & WCASS have partnered to bring members the Special Education Budgeting Academy! Join us at strategic points throughout the year to make sure you are making the most of your Special Education budget and strengthen collaboration across your district's special education and school business teams. The academy includes two in-person, hands-on training days and two virtual follow-up sessions spaced throughout the school year.

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Certifications at WASBO University 

WASBO University's ten certifications provide clear, structured pathways for school business and operations professionals to build knowledge and demonstrate mastery in their fields. Each certification blends courses from multiple subject areas to create a comprehensive learning experience, whether focused on finance, HR, facilities, or risk management. Programs range from foundational introductions to specialized, advanced tracks, making them accessible for both new professionals and seasoned leaders. By completing a certification, participants not only gain confidence in their technical expertise but also strengthen their ability to serve their districts with integrity, efficiency, and forward-looking leadership.

Business Office Certifications

Business Office Certifications at WASBO U prepare professionals to lead the financial, compliance, and administrative functions that keep school districts running smoothly. Programs such as Wisconsin School Business Official, Accounting in Wisconsin Schools, Payroll in Wisconsin Schools, HR in Wisconsin Schools, School Business Office Professionals, and Accounts Payable in Wisconsin Schools provide targeted training in budgeting, payroll, financial reporting, HR compliance, procurement, and internal controls. These certifications are designed to align with the diverse roles within district offices—whether supporting daily operations, managing finances, or advancing into leadership positions—and ensure that participants are equipped to meet both the technical and ethical demands of school business management.

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Facility & Operations Certifications

Facility & Operations Certifications address the essential leadership and technical skills required to manage safe, efficient, and sustainable school environments. Programs such as Facility & Operations Lead, Facility Manager Core, Project Management & Innovation, and WI School Risk Manager cover custodial operations, capital planning, construction management, sustainability, emergency preparedness, and risk control. These certifications ensure that facilities professionals are prepared to protect students and staff, steward district resources, and plan for the long-term success of their school environments. With an emphasis on practical application and leadership development, these programs support professionals who are central to creating and maintaining schools that are safe, functional, and future-ready.

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