WASBO
University

Ten Certifications Vital for All School Officials

WASBO University (WASBO U) is the premier professional learning program for Wisconsin school business and operations leaders. Offering live professional development created and presented by your WASBO peers, the program is tailored to the unique needs of school business office and facilities professionals across the state. Built around the WI School Business Official professional standards, WASBO U provides a complete curriculum designed to strengthen expertise in finance, operations, leadership, governance, and risk management. With practical, hands-on courses, flexible pathways, and a multi-year schedule, WASBO U ensures every school—regardless of size or location—has access to valuable learning opportunities. Administrative and technical support is proudly provided through a partnership with the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay Division of Continuing Education & Community Engagement. 

 

Register for these upcoming
WASBO University courses!

Understanding and Forecasting School District Expenditures

Course begins on July 07, 2026

Learn school expenditure budgeting: set calendars, roles, and board input. Gain skills in forecasting, salary and benefits modeling, staffing alignment, documenting assumptions, managing timelines, and incorporating the tax levy.

Budget Monitoring & Communication

Course begins on August 04, 2026

Manage budgets year-round: give monthly updates, conduct quarterly reviews, and use tools like WASB resources. Track spending, spot variances, and support leaders to keep finances transparent, accountable, and aligned with priorities.

Learning Innovations Impacting Finances & Facilities

Course begins on August 11, 2026

Explore emerging trends shaping school operations. Learn how teaching and learning changes impact facilities, and balance innovation with cost, quality, and sustainability.

Cash Flow & Fund Balance Management

Course begins on September 10, 2026

Learn to forecast and manage cash flow, assess financial risk, and make informed short-term borrowing decisions. This course covers the role of fund balance in liquidity, the use of letters of credit, and strategies for identifying red flags early.


Track your progress with
WASBO University's new
Certification Tracker!

Managing your professional development just got easier with the newly launched Certification Tracker, now available directly in your WASBO account! Head over to WASBO.com/Tracker and log in to your account today to check out your personalized Certification Tracker and take charge of your future learning! This tool lets you seamlessly monitor your progress, showing completed courses and those still needed to reach your goals. Easily explore WASBO University's 10 new certifications—including requirements, schedules, and instructors—and register for upcoming classes all in one place.

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS

Upcoming Semesters

WASBO University offers three semesters in each calendar year in the spring, fall, and summer. View the courses being offered each semester through Summer 2029 now!

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Course Catalog

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How to Enroll

WASBO University offers courses that anyone can take as an individual course for their learning and growth. Additionally, WASBO offers certifications when select courses are completed.

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Standards

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Certifications at WASBO U

WASBO U 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 match the diverse roles within district offices—whether supporting daily operations, managing finances, or advancing into leadership positions—and ensure that participants are equipped to handle both the technical and ethical demands of school business management.

Wisconsin School
Business Official

Designed for current or potential school business officials not holding a 5008 license, covering advanced topics in budgeting, finance, facilities, and leadership.

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Payroll
in Wisconsin Schools

Targeted focus on payroll administration and compliance, compensation strategies, and labor relations.

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Accounts Payable
in Wisconsin Schools

Designed to strengthen knowledge in school accounts payable operations, vendor management, and internal controls.

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Wisconsin School
Risk Manager

Focuses on identifying, financing, and mitigating school risks, including safety, insurance, and risk analysis.

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Accounting
in Wisconsin Schools

Focuses on foundational and advanced principles of school accounting, including budgeting, financial reporting, WUFAR coding, grants, and internal controls.

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Human Resources
in Wisconsin Schools

Prepares individuals to support school HR functions, with a focus on compensation, benefits, staffing law, and performance management.

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School Business
Office Professionals

Geared toward front-line office staff, this certification provides training in school finance, ethics, and governance.

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Project Management
& Innovation

Drive improvement by learning skills in strategic planning, referendum planning, construction management, and forward-thinking practices.

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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.  

Wisconsin School Risk Manager

Focuses on identifying, financing, and mitigating school risks, including safety, insurance, and risk analysis.

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Facility Manager Core

Targets the essentials of facility management including systems maintenance, budgeting, emergency planning, and staffing.

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Facility & Operations Lead

Covers facility management, custodial operations, safety, environmental practices, and leadership in operations.

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Project Management & Innovation

Drive improvement by learning skills in strategic planning, referendum planning, construction management, and forward-thinking practices.

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