|
Tuesday July 21, 2026
|
|
425827
|
Registration / Badge Pickup
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center
Registration and Badge Pickup
|
Registration
|
7/300
|
|
|
|
Tuesday July 21, 2026
|
|
419628
|
SOF Template Training: Summary of Finances
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
The SOF is used by school business officials, finance teams, and TEA to:
* Track and compare state aid entitlements (Tier I, Tier II, and other FSP allotments) with actual funding received.
* Monitor financial health by comparing budgeted, earned, and received funding.
* Support budgeting, planning, and compliance with state funding rules.
|
Finance
|
25/50
|
|
|
|
Tuesday July 21, 2026
|
|
425537
|
Solid Legal Foundations: Legal Issues in Texas School Construction Projects
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
This legal presentation equips school district administrators with a practical understanding of the key legal requirements, risks, and red flags involved in school construction projects. The presentation will address renovations, new construction, bond planning and elections, electioneering prohibitions, conflicts of interest, procurement and certification requirements for architects, consultants, and contractors, construction delivery options, federal funding compliance, construction contracts, change orders, payment issues, claims, disputes, and litigation risk. The focus is on helping administrators identify legal issues before they become project delays, audit concerns, controversies or costly disputes.
|
Purchasing
|
2/50
|
|
|
|
Tuesday July 21, 2026
|
|
419631
|
Truth in Taxation
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
This training will provide legislative updates and help you prepare for your district’s Truth-in-Taxation requirements.
|
Finance
|
20/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
425827
|
Registration / Badge Pickup
8:00 AM - 4:00 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center
Registration and Badge Pickup
|
Registration
|
7/300
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419634
|
The Experts’ Guide to Property Taxes
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
Join a powerhouse panel featuring leaders from the Hidalgo County Tax Assessor’s Office, Hidalgo County Appraisal District, Cameron County Tax Assessor’s Office, Cameron County Appraisal District, and Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP as they pull back the curtain on the property tax process across the Rio Grande Valley. From appraisals and exemptions to collections, deadlines, and taxpayer rights, this fast-paced and eye-opening discussion will deliver straightforward answers, expert insights, and practical guidance you can actually use. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, investor, or simply curious about how property taxes work, this is your chance to hear directly from the experts, ask questions in a welcoming environment, and walk away informed, empowered, and ahead of the game
|
Finance
|
15/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419635
|
TEA State Funding Update
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
TEA staff will present school finance updates and funding timelines, including information from the 89th Legislative Session. LEAs will receive guidance on reporting and resources for the current and upcoming school years.
|
Finance
|
13/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419717
|
ESSA Program Monitoring Validation Requirements for Campus Allocations & Supplement not Supplant Methodology Under Title I, Part A
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
The Texas Education Agency is conducting ESSA Program Monitoring Validations, and all Region One School Systems that receive ESSA grant funding will be selected once within a 6-year period. Currently, we are in year 2 of 6, and this session is intended to provide participants with a closer look at Title I, Part A ESSA Program Monitoring Validation requirements for campus allocations and the supplement not supplant methodology.
|
Grants / Compliance
|
3/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419725
|
Doing More with Less: Finding Operational Inefficiencies (Part A)
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
School districts are facing increasing pressure to maintain service levels while managing budget constraints, staffing shortages, and growing operational demands. This session focuses on helping participants identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and process challenges that quietly consume time and resources across district operations. Through practical examples and interactive discussion, participants will explore simple continuous improvement concepts that can help streamline workflows, reduce frustration, and improve overall efficiency without requiring additional resources.
|
Facilities / Operations
|
6/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419731
|
Is TRS ActiveCare The Best Option For Your District?
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
Is TRS ActiveCare your best choice or is the grass greener on the other side. This session will provide a clear path to the right decision for your district.
|
Payroll / HR
|
1/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419739
|
The School Finance Blind Spot How Weak School-Level Controls Create Financial, Operational, and Reputational Risk
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
This presentation expands upon the findings outlined in KEV Group’s K-12 Fraud Report by reframing school-level fraud as a broader issue of operational visibility, internal controls, and financial governance within K–12 school systems. Rather than focusing solely on fraud prevention, the session will explore how decentralized school-level financial operations create hidden vulnerabilities that can negatively impact district finances, community trust, compliance, and ultimately student opportunities. The presentation is designed for Superintendents, CFOs and Finance Officers, School Board Members, Campus Administrators, Procurement and Operational Leaders, and Internal Auditors and Compliance Staff.
|
Purchasing
|
3/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419743
|
Saddling Up for Success: Expanding Local Foods Procurement Across South Texas Schools
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 201
How Region One ESC is Connecting School Systems with Local Farmers and Ranchers While Simplifying Procurement and Strengthening South Texas Communities.
|
FNP
|
2/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419718
|
Financial Compliance Updates
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
Touch on TEA Financial Compliance Topics
|
Finance
|
18/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419636
|
Economic Outlook
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
Economic outlook based on current market conditions.
|
Finance
|
1/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419726
|
Doing More with Less: Building Sustainable Systems & Smarter Operations (Part B)
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Identifying inefficiencies is only the first step; sustaining improvements requires clear systems, communication, and operational consistency. This session focuses on practical strategies that help school systems standardize processes, reduce dependency on tribal knowledge, improve accountability, and create more resilient operations. Participants will explore ways to build smarter systems that support staff, improve service delivery, and help organizations operate more effectively during challenging times.
|
Facilities / Operations
|
5/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419732
|
Navigating Complex HR Compensation and Staffing Issues
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
As the educational landscape continues to shift, district leaders are encountering increasingly complex challenges related to compensation and staffing. This session will explore critical issues impacting PK–12 districts including declining enrollment, staff reductions, compensation, and pay equity concerns with HB 2 implementation. Participants will gain practical insights and innovative approaches to address these pressing concerns, with opportunities for discussion and shared problem-solving. It will be a dynamic and solutions-focused session designed to support district leaders in navigating today’s evolving educational environment with confidence and clarity.
|
Payroll / HR
|
3/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419740
|
Transforming District Training Into Engaging Online Courses
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
Participants will hear how Region One departments and school districts have successfully implemented online learning solutions to streamline training and improve access for staff. Discover how converting recurring compliance, onboarding, and professional development sessions into online courses can help districts reduce repetitive training demands, increase consistency, extend learning opportunities, and free up valuable FTE time to focus on student support, instructional improvement, and other district priorities.
|
Purchasing
|
1/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
422603
|
Networking Lunch
11:50 AM - 1:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
Conference participants
|
Networking Lunch
|
8/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
425916
|
Exhibitor Hall Open
11:50 AM - 5:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
Open to all participants
|
Exhibit Hall Open
|
7/300
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419637
|
TEA State Funding Update REPEAT
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
TEA staff will present school finance updates and funding timelines, including information from the 89th Legislative Session. LEAs will receive guidance on reporting and resources for the current and upcoming school years
|
Finance
|
8/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419721
|
MOE Matters: Mastering IDEA-B Compliance
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
Federal special education funding comes with complex compliance requirements, and Maintenance of Effort (remains) one of the most misunderstood and high-risk areas for Texas school districts. This session will provide a practice, finance-focused overview of IDEA-B MOE requirements, walking through real-world scenarios and learning tools on how to proactively monitor compliance throughout the year. Designed for business office staff, this session will help districts reduce risk and strengthen coordination between finance and program departments.
|
Grants / Compliance
|
9/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419727
|
Best Practices and Strategies for Project Management
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Best Practices and Strategies for Project Management explores proven methods for planning, executing, and delivering successful capital improvement and facility projects in public school environments. The presentation will highlight practical strategies for managing scope, budget, schedule, communication, and stakeholder expectations while minimizing risk and disruption to campus operations. Participants will also learn how to identify early warning signs of project challenges and implement effective recovery measures when projects do not proceed as planned.
|
Facilities / Operations
|
3/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419733
|
SHARS - RMTS Training
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
Session will focus on new/updated requirements and transition to the new doc. system
|
Grants / Compliance
|
2/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419741
|
Best Practices For Health Insurance Procurement
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
Learn strategies for best competitive outcomes and the importance of vendor perceptions and practices
|
Purchasing
|
0/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419745
|
Procurement Pitfalls: Lessons You Can't Ignore
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 201
Procurement errors can cost districts more than just paperwork headaches—they can trigger local funding consequences. This session dives into the latest findings from the 2024–2025 procurement reviews, revealing where districts are falling short and how to tighten procedures before your next review.
|
FNP
|
5/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419640
|
The Trail to Stronger Internal Controls: Staying in the Saddle Through Risk and Change
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
Every successful cattle drive depends on a clear trail, a watchful eye, and a well-prepared crew. The same is true for building and maintaining a strong Internal Control Framework. Join us for an engaging session designed for school finance professionals as we travel the trail of effective internal controls, exploring the key elements of policies, procedures, processes, requirements, communication, testing, and training. Participants will learn how to spot gaps before they become washouts in the trail, assess design effectiveness, and strengthen controls that keep their organization moving in the right direction. Through real-world examples, interactive activities, and practical strategies, attendees will discover how strong internal controls help organizations identify, manage, and mitigate risk, avoid unexpected detours, and keep operations on solid ground. Whether you're mending fences between departments, keeping an eye on emerging risks from the horizon, or ensuring everyone is riding toward the same destination, you'll leave with tools to strengthen your framework, improve compliance, and lead your organization confidently through changing landscapes. So, saddle up and hit the trail with us, because the longer the trail, the stronger the herd.
|
Grants / Compliance
|
4/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419735
|
Money Mindset: How to make emotionally intelligent financial decisions
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
Financial Literacy
|
Finance
|
2/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419729
|
What Does a Risk Ready Culture Look Like?
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Overview This session helps organizations understand what a risk ready culture actually looks like in daily operations—not just on paper. Participants will walk away with simple, practical ideas they can start using right away to strengthen safety awareness, improve reporting, and make more proactive decisions across their organization. Purpose of the Session Many organizations want fewer incidents and stronger safety practices but aren’t sure where to start. This session bridges that gap by showing how small, consistent actions can create lasting safety culture change. Target Audience School and district leadership Risk managers and safety staff Facilities, maintenance, custodial, human resources, transportation, payroll, and operations teams Anyone responsible for employee safety or incident response.
|
Facilities / Operations
|
2/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419734
|
The Future of School Finance: Revenue Strategies for Texas School Districts
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
School finance is evolving, and today's business leaders must think beyond traditional funding formulas. This interactive session explores practical strategies for maximizing existing revenue while identifying new opportunities to strengthen long-term financial sustainability. Participants will examine both traditional and emerging revenue strategies, explore innovative approaches to financial stewardship, and discuss trends that may shape the future of school finance. Attendees will leave with practical ideas, a strategic framework for evaluating revenue opportunities, and resources they can immediately apply in their own districts.
|
Finance
|
13/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419742
|
The Story Behind the Spending: Connecting Financial Data, Accountability, and School Improvement
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
What can district spending patterns reveal about school systems and student outcomes? This session explores how publicly available TEA financial and accountability datasets can be used together to identify trends, visualize resource allocation patterns, and support school improvement conversations. Through real examples and interactive Power BI dashboards, participants will examine practical approaches for transforming static financial reports into meaningful leadership insight.
|
Finance
|
5/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
419746
|
Thresholds & Tactics: School Nutrition Purchasing
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 201
This session will help child nutrition and school business staff understand when to use informal (micro-purchase, small purchase) versus formal procurement methods. We'll explore how to identify the best approach in challenging situations, including when non-competitive procurement is necessary, while staying compliant and strategic.
|
FNP
|
2/50
|
|
|
|
Wednesday July 22, 2026
|
|
425915
|
Exhibitor Showcase
2:50 PM - 5:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
Open to all participants
|
Exhibitor Showcase
|
6/300
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
425827
|
Registration / Badge Pickup
8:00 AM - 4:00 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center
Registration and Badge Pickup
|
Registration
|
7/300
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
425916
|
Exhibitor Hall Open
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
Open to all participants
|
Exhibit Hall Open
|
7/300
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420400
|
The Trail to Stronger Internal Controls: Staying in the Saddle Through Risk and Change REPEAT
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
Every successful cattle drive depends on a clear trail, a watchful eye, and a well-prepared crew. The same is true for building and maintaining a strong Internal Control Framework. Join us for an engaging session designed for school finance professionals as we travel the trail of effective internal controls, exploring the key elements of policies, procedures, processes, requirements, communication, testing, and training. Participants will learn how to spot gaps before they become washouts in the trail, assess design effectiveness, and strengthen controls that keep their organization moving in the right direction. Through real-world examples, interactive activities, and practical strategies, attendees will discover how strong internal controls help organizations identify, manage, and mitigate risk, avoid unexpected detours, and keep operations on solid ground. Whether you're mending fences between departments, keeping an eye on emerging risks from the horizon, or ensuring everyone is riding toward the same destination, you'll leave with tools to strengthen your framework, improve compliance, and lead your organization confidently through changing landscapes. So, saddle up and hit the trail with us, because the longer the trail, the stronger the herd
|
Grants / Compliance
|
6/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420418
|
Fiscal Fitness: Is Your District Financially Healthy?
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
A balanced budget doesn't always mean a healthy school district. Learn how to evaluate your district's financial health using a practical Fiscal Fitness Assessment that goes beyond traditional financial reports. This interactive session explores key indicators of financial strength, sustainability, and risk while providing a simple framework for identifying opportunities and potential concerns. Participants will leave with a Fiscal Fitness Scorecard and practical resources they can immediately use to evaluate and communicate their district's financial health.
|
Finance
|
10/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420491
|
The Fine Print Matters: What Districts Need to Look for in Property Damage Insurance
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Using the experience of The Justice Claims Group as public adjusters and disaster recovery consultants, this presentation is designed to help school districts better understand the structure and key components of their property damage insurance policies. It will define common policy terms and language, explain their significance, and highlight critical considerations, potential pitfalls, and areas of concern that every district should be aware of when evaluating their coverage.
|
Facilities / Operations
|
1/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420492
|
Personalities for Better Collaboration & Workplace Wellness
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
Workplace Wellness: Understanding Personalities for Better Collaboration
|
Payroll / HR
|
2/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420497
|
Procurement Roundup: Wrangling Year-End & New Year Readiness
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
Cover Year end processes like encumbrance, Contract closeouts. Cover fiscal readiness, TEC and EDGAR compliance, Cooperative purchasing, Contract Management, Ethics & Fraud Prevention, Grant compliance, RFP/RFQ/ IFB differences.
|
Purchasing
|
3/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420503
|
Smart Swaps, Big Impact: Rethinking School Nutrition
9:00 AM - 3:42 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 201
School nutrition is evolving are your menus keeping up? This session highlights practical “smart swaps” to meet new regulations, reduce added sugars, and improve nutrition without adding operational burden. We’ll also share insights from the Edinburg ISD whole milk pilot in partnership with DFA–Oak Farms and explore how districts can adapt to changing guidance. Whether focused on compliance, cost, or student acceptance, you’ll leave with actionable ideas and product solutions to make smarter menu decisions with big impact.
|
FNP
|
2/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420402
|
Audit Update (Financial Statement and Federal Single Audit)
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
Fiscal Year 2026 may be a quiet year for GASB Standard implementation, but there are State Legislative and federal law changes that will impact both your financial statements and federal single audit. We will go through these areas in detail and how you can prepare for your 2026 audits.
|
Finance
|
12/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420419
|
New Intensity of Services Special Education Funding Model
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
This session is designed for finance personnel to build a clear understanding of the upcoming changes to special education funding. Participants will explore the shift from instructional setting-based funding to an intensity of services model, including how tiers, service groups, and IEP-driven data will impact funding calculations. The session will also highlight key timelines, transition year considerations, and the implications for budgeting, planning, and cross-department collaboration.
|
Finance
|
3/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420422
|
The Cost of Doing Nothing
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Many district costs aren’t caused by major incidents—they come from small facility issues that go unaddressed until they become expensive problems. This session will focus on common campus risks that quietly impact budgets and operations, from slips and maintenance issues to traffic and housekeeping concerns. Participants will explore real-world examples and walk away with simple, practical actions to identify risks early, prioritize high-impact fixes, and prevent costly disruptions. Designed for finance, operations, and campus leaders, this session connects everyday facility decisions to real financial outcomes.
|
Facilities / Operations
|
0/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420494
|
Payroll Compliance in a Changing Landscape: What Every Payroll Professional Needs to Know
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
Keeping up with payroll regulations can be challenging in today's rapidly changing environment. This session provides payroll professionals, HR practitioners, and business leaders with a practical overview of key compliance considerations, emerging trends, and common pitfalls. Through real-world examples and expert guidance, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of wage and hour requirements, tax reporting obligations, audit preparedness, and risk mitigation strategies. The session will equip participants with tools and resources to confidently manage payroll compliance while supporting organizational goals.
|
Payroll / HR
|
3/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420499
|
The Hidden Cost of Turnover—and How to Fix It - Laura Bowen | The Reserves Network
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
As the educational landscape continues to shift, district leaders are encountering increasingly complex challenges related to compensation and staffing. This session will explore critical issues impacting PK–12 districts including declining enrollment, staff reductions, compensation, and pay equity concerns with HB 2 implementation. Participants will gain practical insights and innovative approaches to address these pressing concerns, with opportunities for discussion and shared problem-solving. It will be a dynamic and solutions-focused session designed to support district leaders in navigating today’s evolving educational environment with confidence and clarity.
|
Payroll / HR
|
0/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420505
|
From Scratch Success: Expanding Scratch-Made Menu Items in Space-Constrained School Kitchen
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
As student demand for fresh, flavorful, and nutritious meals continues to grow, child nutrition programs are increasingly looking to incorporate more scratch-made menu items into their operations. However, limited kitchen space, aging facilities, staffing challenges, and equipment constraints can make this goal seem difficult to achieve.
|
FNP
|
3/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420403
|
Adjusting to the New Realities of School Funding in a Declining Enrollment Context
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
This session will describe the statewide budget context as public schools work to address budget deficits in light of declining enrollment. It will provide specific ideas staff can use to respond to revenue shortfalls, including tools that can help evaluate budget tradeoffs, tips for effective communication, and ideas for navigating the politics of budget cuts.
|
Finance
|
11/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420420
|
Cash Flow Forecasting for Investments
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
This session provides a practical overview of cash flow forecasting and its critical role in managing local government investment portfolios. Participants will learn how to project inflows and outflows, align liquidity needs with investment strategies, and optimize yield while maintaining safety and compliance.
|
Finance
|
0/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420488
|
Staying Competitive: Strategic Moves to Do More With Less
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
Join us to learn how Donna ISD is turning challenge into opportunity through bold “Future Focused Planning.” Discover how innovative academies, strategic partnerships, and smart financial practices are reshaping the district, stabilizing resources, and attracting the next generation of learners—while positioning Donna ISD as a forward-thinking leader in education. - Angela Dominguez, Donna ISD
|
Facilities / Operations
|
5/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420495
|
Managing Rising Healthcare Costs: TRS Strategies and a District Perspective
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
Texas districts continue to face rising medical and pharmacy costs that strain budgets and impact employee affordability. TRS will highlight the statewide cost drivers shaping the healthcare landscape and outline key strategies—such as pharmacy management, value-based care, and data-driven decision support—designed to improve outcomes while slowing cost growth. Zapata CISD’s Michelle Martinez will share the district’s real-world experience evaluating TRS-ActiveCare, including why the district explored opting out, what alternative options looked like, and how TRS-ActiveCare’s benefit-administrator support, guidance, and stability ultimately shaped their decision-making. Her perspective offers practical insight into budgeting, employee communication, and navigating annual benefits planning.
|
Payroll / HR
|
0/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420500
|
Use AI for Improved Business Productivity
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 104
Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) can streamline everyday business operations and improve decision-making. This session will demonstrate practical ways to use AI tools to analyze complex data sets, summarize large volumes of information, identify trends, automate routine tasks, and generate actionable insights. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for leveraging AI to increase productivity, enhance operational efficiency, and support data-informed decisions in school finance, procurement, and operations.
|
Purchasing
|
3/50
|
|
|
|
Thursday July 23, 2026
|
|
420506
|
Understanding SHARS: What Districts Often Miss, with Relay
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 201
SHARS reimbursement is one of the more confusing corners of school finance, full of paperwork, cost report deadlines, and rules that seem to shift every year. Join Relay for an informational session breaking down how SHARS works, where districts most often leave money on the table, and what it actually takes to stay audit-ready. Many districts are reimbursed for less than they could be, often without knowing where the gaps are. We'll walk through what to look for and share more about Relay's SHARS assessment for any district that wants a closer look at their own numbers. This is a general information session, not a sales pitch. Come with questions.
|
Payroll / HR
|
1/50
|
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Thursday July 23, 2026
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419744
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Food Service Equipment Strategies for Ultimate Flexibility
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 201
Maximize Foodservice Equipment Performance While Meeting New USDA Nutrition Guidelines
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FNP
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3/50
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Thursday July 23, 2026
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422605
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Networking Lunch
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Exhibit Hall
Conference participants
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Networking Lunch
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9/50
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Thursday July 23, 2026
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420421
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Preparing for the 90th Legislative Session
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
The 90th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature will begin in January 2027, but the best time to engage is before it begins. Join MoakCasey to review the impact of the Primary elections, discuss testimony from the recent interim hearings, and preview the expected hot topics for school finance in the 90th, including the Special Education allotment, Allotment for Basic Costs, and vouchers.
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Finance
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7/50
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Thursday July 23, 2026
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420416
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What Went Wrong? Lessons from Real Fraud Cases
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 101
Behind every fraud case is a series of missed opportunities to prevent it. This presentation explores real fraud cases from school districts and government entities, exploring how schemes occurred, how they were uncovered, and the circumstances that allowed them to happen.
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Finance
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5/50
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Thursday July 23, 2026
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420489
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Bonds Best Practices and Declining Enrollment/ADA
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 102
An overview of best practices for bond post-issuance compliance matters (ex. arbitrage, tax-exemption maintenance, etc.) as well as the state of declining enrollment in Texas.
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Finance
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1/50
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Thursday July 23, 2026
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420496
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Creating a Culture of Accountability and Compliance
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 103
PENDING
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Payroll / HR
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4/50
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Thursday July 23, 2026
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420507
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Procurement Perfected: The Purchasing Manual Road Map
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Room 201
Procurement Perfected: The Purchasing Manual Road Map
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FNP
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2/50
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Thursday July 23, 2026
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420417
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Keeping the Herd Strong: Staying on the Right Trail Through Change, Compliance, and New Opportunities on the Horizon
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
As the 4th Annual Region One Education Service Center School Finance and Operations Conference comes to a close, join TEA’s Federal Compliance Officer, Cal Lopez for a forward-looking discussion on what lies ahead. Whether you're navigating new UGG regulations, evolving monitoring protocols, the latest federal funding updates, or changing operational landscapes, today’s education leaders must be prepared to adapt while keeping their organizations moving in the right direction. This closing session will highlight emerging challenges, new opportunities on the horizon, and best practices that support compliance, accountability, and operational success. Attendees will gain practical insights to help their school systems remain resilient, responsive, and well-positioned for the future. As every trail boss knows, a strong herd doesn't happen by chance—it takes preparation, vigilance, and a commitment to staying the course. Leave with a renewed perspective, actionable strategies, and the confidence to guide your organization down the trail ahead and keep your herd strong for the journey to come.
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Finance
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17/50
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Thursday July 23, 2026
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425918
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Closing Remarks / Door Prizes
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
South Padre Island Convention Center - Conference Theater
Open to all participants
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Closing Remarks / Door Prizes
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10/300
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