BCASBO

BCASBO Briefing – September2026

Mallory Gosse — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 22:20:24 +0000

BCASBO Briefing - September 2026

Member Updates, Sector Issues & Resources

Welcome to the September 2026 edition of the BCASBO Briefing. As the new school year gets underway, this issue looks back at progress made since the Summer Briefing and highlights upcoming professional learning, member resources, sector work, and opportunities for members to provide input.

In This Issue:

President's Message

As school districts begin another busy year, BCASBO continues to focus on turning the priorities identified by the Executive Committee into practical value for members. Over the summer, work continued on professional learning, member resources, mentorship, committee and zone connections, and stronger relationships with Ministry and sector partners.

Members will see several of those priorities moving forward this fall. The Legal Professional Development Lunch & Learn Series begins in September, registration for the November Fall Conference is opening, and members are being asked to help shape a potential new online learning platform with Fair Chance Learning. BCASBO is also continuing work on the Leadership Series, practical governance and meeting resources, and new opportunities to support districts with enterprise risk management.

A strong Association depends on members sharing their experience, questions, and ideas. I encourage you to take advantage of the learning opportunities in this issue, provide feedback where requested, and continue using your Zone Directors and BCASBO representatives to raise issues that would benefit from a broader provincial conversation.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this work over the summer and who continues to support BCASBO's goal of connecting, developing, and representing school business officials across the province.

Executive Director's Report

Since the Summer Briefing, a significant amount of work has moved from discussion into development and implementation. Much of that work reflects priorities identified at the June Executive Committee transition meeting with the Ministry and our ongoing focus on strengthening member value.

The Association has launched the Member Resource Library, moved the new Legal Professional Development Series toward its first three sessions, continued development of the Knowledge Transfer Initiative with Eli Mina, and advanced the sector-wide budget reduction and revenue generation survey. Planning is getting underway for the November Fall Conference, with the first Planning Committee meeting scheduled for September 4.

We have continued to work with Ministry and sector partners to strengthen how BCASBO is represented in provincial discussions. Work is underway to develop a Ministry and Executive Committee responsibility matrix, confirm appropriate committee representation across key areas, and establish regular meetings and connections that will help ensure BCASBO’s expertise and district perspective are part of important sector conversations. This is an important objective in the Association’s strategic plan to reinforce and improve the relationship between BCASBO and the Ministry of Education and Child Care.

Professional learning remains a major area of focus. In addition to the legal series and Fall Conference, BCASBO is exploring a potential self-paced learning platform with Fair Chance Learning. Planning for Cohort 9 of the Leadership Series is underway with partial funding from the Ministry to continue the work from Cohort 8 on the Ministry’s Management Foundation Standards. Approval of the Ministry funding commits BCASBO to create reusable learning resources from Cohort 8 on the Ministry’s Brightspace platform. An invitation to register for Cohort 9 will be coming in September with a program start in January 2027.

There is more work ahead, but I am pleased with the progress being made across a wide range of initiatives. Thank you to the Executive Committee, Mallory, working-group members, presenters, sector partners, and members who continue to contribute their time and ideas.

BCASBO News

From Summer Priorities to Fall Progress

The Summer Briefing outlined several priorities connected to member value, professional learning, resources, leadership, zone support, committee reporting, and sector relationships. Over the past two months, a number of those areas have moved forward, as detailed throughout this Briefing.

Member Resource Library: The online Member Resource Library is now live, with materials from the 2025 Fall Conference, Leadership Series Cohort 8, and the 2026 AGM & Conference available to members. Most presentation resources have now been collected and posted, along with guides from the Enterprise Risk Management Toolkit.
Registration is now live for BCASBO’s fall Legal Professional Development Lunch & Learn Series. Three sessions have been confirmed for September and October, covering liability and risk management, workplace investigations, and contract law fundamentals. Additional fall topics and presenters are continuing to be coordinated.
Member Learning Platform: BCASBO is exploring an optional self-paced, short-format online learning platform with Fair Chance Learning that could provide additional professional learning for members, other school business officials, and staff working in school districts.
Budget Reduction and Revenue Generation Strategies Survey: the Executive Committee subcommittee continues to refine the sector-wide survey, with distribution now planned for mid-October.
Knowledge Transfer Initiative: work has progressed from initial planning into development of a practical governance and meeting guide for Secretary-Treasurers. Working group members are contributing and reviewing resources on key areas with the content now being shaped into a practical toolkit.
Zone and Committee Connections: Zone Directors have been contacted about administrative support, while provincial committee representation and Executive-Ministry relationship alignment continue to be reviewed.

Ministry & Sector Updates

BCASBO continues to engage with Ministry and sector partners on issues affecting school district operations, finance, capital planning, technology, human resources, and governance across the province.

Strengthening Ministry and Sector Connections

One of the priorities in the Association’s strategic plan discussed by the Executive Committee in June was to strengthen BCASBO’s connections with the Ministry and sector partners. Since then, meetings have taken place to review current committee and relationship structures, and work is underway to confirm representation across key Ministry areas and develop a clear responsibility matrix for the Association.

As this work progresses, BCASBO will also look at practical ways to share relevant information from these meetings and committees with members. The goal is to strengthen both BCASBO’s voice in sector discussions and the flow of useful information back to the broader membership.

View List of Current Committee Representation

Budget Reduction & Revenue Generation Strategies Survey

BCASBO’s Executive Committee subcommittee continues to work on the Budget Reduction & Revenue Generation Strategies Survey, which will gather practical examples of how districts are responding to budget pressures, including budget reductions, revenue-generation approaches, services that have been reduced or discontinued, and the resulting impacts on districts.

To allow members more time to participate following school start-up and year-end audit work, BCASBO is now aiming to distribute the survey in mid-October.

The information collected will help BCASBO build a clearer provincial picture of the strategies being used across the sector and support future resource-sharing and advocacy work.

Cybersecurity Retainer Program

BCASBO members should continue to be aware of the Focused Education Resources Cybersecurity Retainer Program. This program provides timely support for school districts in responding to cybersecurity breaches. Response time is of the essence when a breach occurs, and the retainer provides immediate district access to experts at Palo Alto. Initially established in 2024 at no cost to school districts for two years, BCASBO has been informed the retainer will still be free for districts in the 2026-2027 school year.

ERP Sector Interviews

Over the past several weeks, BCASBO has participated in interviews conducted by Focused Education Resources with consultants who responded to its Request for Supplier Qualifications (RFSQ) to provide readiness support for districts preparing to move their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to a procurement stage.

Focused Education Resources plans to engage three of the four consultants for this work. More information will be shared once the selections have been finalized.

Budget 2027 Consultation Report Released

The Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services has released its Report on the Budget 2027 Consultation.

BCASBO is listed as a consultation participant in Appendix A of the report. While BCASBO’s submission is not directly referenced, Recommendation 52 aligns with the issue raised in BCASBO’s written submission, calling on government to “revise the K-12 funding model to better reflect the actual costs incurred by school districts.”

This connects to BCASBO’s submission recommending that operating funding to school districts fully reflect annual inflationary costs so existing K-12 programs can be sustained in future years.

Read the Budget 2027 Consultation Report

Assessment of Risk Controls (ARC)

Assessment of Risk Controls (ARC) is a Focused Education Resources cybersecurity initiative that helps districts baseline their security posture, develop a prioritized cyber risk plan, and create a realistic budget with full cost visibility.

The platform provides clear dashboards to help translate assessment results into a practical roadmap for budgeting and implementation. It also supports standardized, repeatable cybersecurity assessments and reporting designed specifically for K-12, including the development of a cyber risk register and opportunities for districts and Focused Education Resources to collaborate on shared high-priority initiatives.

The initiative was announced in February and, to date, approximately 40 districts have completed the assessment. Districts that have not yet participated are encouraged to request the questionnaire by emailing cybersecurity@focusedresources.ca.

Professional Learning & Events

Help Shape a Potential BCASBO Learning Platform

BCASBO is exploring an optional self-paced, short-format online learning platform with Fair Chance Learning that could provide additional professional learning for members, other school business officials, and staff working in school districts.

Many members participated this spring in the five-part AI Enablement series with Fair Chance Learning. The platform now being explored would go beyond that series and could offer role-relevant learning pathways in areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, security, compliance, and productivity and collaboration tools. There may also be opportunities to develop additional learning areas based on member and district needs.

No decision has been made, and the platform content and pricing have not been finalized. Before deciding whether to proceed, BCASBO wants to better understand which learning areas would be useful, which staff groups could benefit, and the likely level of interest across districts. The Executive Committee will consider the feedback at its October 1 meeting.

The interest form takes approximately four minutes to complete. Please respond by September 14, 2026.

Completing the form does not commit you or your district. Your feedback will help BCASBO determine whether this type of resource would be useful and, if so, how it could be shaped to best support members and other school district staff.

Complete the BCASBO Learning Platform Interest Form

Ministry Lunch & Learn Webinar Series – 2026/27

The Ministry of Education and Child Care has confirmed its 2026/27 Lunch and Learn webinar schedule, with sessions covering topics such as operating grant eligibility, CEF reporting, compliance audits, funding, asset retirement obligations, and SOFI. Sessions are scheduled on Tuesdays from 12:00–1:00 p.m.

View the 2026/27 Ministry Lunch & Learn Schedule(opens in new tab)

Fall Conference Planning

The BCASBO Fall Professional Development Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver on November 24 and 25, 2026. Planning is getting underway, with the first Planning Committee meeting scheduled for September 4.

Program development is also underway, including consideration of professional learning opportunities in areas such as ethics and money laundering.

Registration, program, hotel information, and sponsorship details will be available through the Fall Conference page shortly.

Enterprise Risk Management Toolkit - Coaching Opportunity

BCASBO is moving forward with an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) coaching initiative designed to help a medium (greater than 10,000 enrolment) and a small (Less than 10,000 enrolment) school district to put the Focused Education/BCASBO ERM Toolkit into practice within their own district context.

Beginning this fall, North Vancouver School District (SD44) and Okanagan Skaha School District (SD67) will participate in a year-long coaching program supported by BCASBO and delivered by Upside ERM Solutions. The program will run from September 2026 through June 2027 and will provide practical support as the participating districts work through an ERM cycle, including risk identification, assessment and mitigations, facilitated workshops, planning integration, reporting, and Board-level communication.

The initiative is intended not only to support the participating districts, but also to strengthen the ERM resources available across the sector. The selected districts have committed to highlight their experience from the coaching program at the Fall Conference in 2027.

Selected ERM Toolkit resources have also been added to the BCASBO Member Resource Library(opens in new tab) to make these tools easier for members to access and explore.

Legal Professional Development Lunch & Learn Series - Register Now

BCASBO’s new Legal Professional Development Lunch & Learn Series begins this fall, with approximately six virtual sessions being developed between September and December. The series will provide practical, learning-focused legal education for school district business officials and other district personnel.

These sessions are open to all school district staff, and BCASBO members are encouraged to share the registration links with colleagues in their districts who may be interested.

Three sessions have now been confirmed:

Liability and Risk Management for School District Business Officials
Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Teams
This session will focus on waivers and informed consent, with practical considerations tailored to BC school district representatives. Registration closes Friday, September 18 at 12:00 p.m.

Workplace Investigations
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Teams
Presented by Natasha Jategaonkar, Partner at Mathews Dinsdale & Clark LLP, this session will provide practical guidance on workplace investigations in the school district context, including considerations around process, documentation, confidentiality, and managing investigation-related risks. Registration closes Wednesday, September 30 at 12:00 p.m.

Contract Law Fundamentals
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Teams
Presented by Emmett Scrimshaw, Heath Law LLP, this session will provide an overview of contract law fundamentals in the school district context. The presentation will focus on practical considerations for school district business officials and other district personnel, including key elements of contracts, common issues to watch for, and considerations for managing contract-related risks. Registration closes Wednesday, October 21 at 12:00 p.m.

Additional fall topics are expected to include employment and labour law, administrative law and governance, and other legal issues relevant to K–12 operations. Additional dates, presenters, and registration details will be shared as they are confirmed.

(opens in new tab)

Leadership Series Cohort 9 & Brightspace Development

BCASBO continues to move forward with planning for Cohort 9 of the Leadership Series. A funding request to the Ministry to continue the work from Cohort 8 on the Ministry’s Management Foundation Standards has been approved. Funding approval was contingent on BCASBO creating reusable learning resources from Cohort 8 on the Ministry’s Brightspace platform. Existing materials from Cohort 8 are being reviewed with the goal of developing organized learning modules, practical activities, case studies, tools and other resources that will be made available through Brightspace. Much of the Governance, Legislation, Roles and Responsibilities module of the Standards has already been uploaded to the Brightspace platform and is being reviewed.

Cohort 9 will also provide an opportunity to further refine and expand this content as new sessions are developed and delivered. Where appropriate, reusable learning materials and recorded content will become part of the Brightspace resource, creating a growing professional learning library for current and future BCASBO members.

More information on Cohort 9 and the Brightspace project will be shared as planning progresses. An invitation to register for Cohort 9 will be coming in September with a program start in January 2027.

Building for the future The goal is not only to support Cohort 9 participants, but to develop reusable professional learning resources that can support BCASBO members well beyond the cohort itself.

Knowledge Transfer Initiative: Building Practical Governance Resources

BCASBO’s Knowledge Transfer Initiative is continuing with Eli Mina and a working group of experienced school business officials, with the focus now firmly on developing a practical governance and meeting resource for Secretary-Treasurers and other senior district staff.

The group is bringing together existing BCASBO, sector, and governance resources with school-district context and School Act considerations. Content being developed and reviewed includes governance versus operations, Board and management responsibilities, trustee communication, bias and conflict, voting and decision-making, meeting procedures, in-camera meetings, minutes, the role and election of the Chair and Vice-Chair, and board dynamics following decisions.

Work has now moved into shaping these materials into practical tools members can use, including decision-making resources, scenarios, guidance documents, and other reference materials intended to support Secretary-Treasurers in navigating governance and Board processes.

The intention is for Secretary-Treasurers to have access to these new resources as they begin working with newly elected Boards following the fall elections, with the toolkit continuing to evolve as additional materials are refined and incorporated.

Member Resources

The BCASBO Member Resource Library is now live, providing members with one centralized place to access presentations and professional learning materials from past BCASBO events and initiatives. The library currently includes resources from the 2025 Fall Conference, Leadership Series Cohort 8, the 2026 AGM & Conference, and selected guides from the Enterprise Risk Management Toolkit, with most available presentation materials now posted.

The library will continue to grow as new professional learning, conference materials, practical tools, templates, and other member resources become available. The goal is to make useful information easier to find, revisit, and apply in day-to-day district work.

Visit the BCASBO Member Resource Library

Reigniting Your Purpose - Presenter Follow-Up Survey

Michelle Taschereau of Atlas Brain Health has shared her presentation from the 2026 AGM & Conference for BCASBO's resource library and has also invited members to provide additional feedback through her Reigniting Your Purpose survey.

If you attended Michelle's session and have not yet completed the survey, please consider taking a few minutes to share your feedback.

Complete the Reigniting Your Purpose Survey

Resource Spotlight: BC Civil Resolution Tribunal

For organizations dealing with lower-value contract, payment, or other civil disputes, the B.C. Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) may be a useful resource to be aware of. The CRT handles most small claims up to $5,000 through an online process and provides a free, anonymous Solution Explorer that can help users understand available options and access self-help information.

The CRT website includes information about small-claims jurisdiction, the application process, fees, forms, and published decisions. Members should confirm current requirements and consider their own district policies or legal advice before taking action on a specific matter.

Explore the BC Civil Resolution Tribunal

This resource is shared for general information only and is not legal advice.

Zone & Committee Connections

BCASBO continues to strengthen opportunities for members to connect, share information, and raise emerging issues across the province. Zone Directors have been offered administrative and meeting support, while work continues to confirm provincial committee representation and improve how relevant information is shared back with members. Member networks provide an opportunity to connect with colleagues, discuss emerging issues, and share district practices. Members are encouraged to get involved. The following networks are in place or are being developed

Risk Management Network

The BCASBO Risk Management Network provides an opportunity for school district staff to discuss emerging and recurring risks and learn how other districts are responding. Meetings are held virtually through Teams at 1:30 p.m. on September 22, October 20, January 19, February 16, April 20, and June 15.

To join, contact Ellen Bryden at ebryden@sd57.bc.ca.

Records Management Committee

Corien Becker presented on this at the 2025 Fall Conference and there was significant feedback from members to move this work forward. Corien is retiring at the end of September so the Association is asking for interested members to indicate their willingness to get involved. Please forward your interest to David at executivedirector@bcasbo.ca.

Finance Network

The BCASBO Finance Network provides an opportunity for school district finance leaders and professionals to connect with peers, share leading practices, discuss emerging financial issues, and collaborate on common challenges across the K-12 sector.

The network currently includes approximately 70 members, with 30–40 participants typically attending each meeting. Meetings are held virtually through Teams for one hour, up to five times per year, with topics including financial reporting, budgeting, audit matters, funding and grants, legislative and regulatory developments, and other emerging finance issues.

Meeting dates for 2026/27 will be confirmed and shared at a later date. If you are interested in participating and were not included in previous meetings, contact Iris Mo at iris_mo@sd42.ca.

Small Districts Network

The BCASBO Small Districts Network provides an opportunity for staff in the Association’s smaller school districts to discuss issues and concerns they are facing and learn how other districts are responding to similar challenges.

The network was organized by Gillian Leask, Secretary-Treasurer, SD84 Vancouver Island West, following the 2026 AGM & Conference and the Small Districts functional-area breakfast session. To date, three “Small District Coffee Breaks” have been held, with discussion notes shared with the Executive Committee for further consideration and possible direction.

Meetings are held virtually through Teams at 10:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month:

To join, contact Gillian Leask at gleask@viw.sd84.bc.ca

Leadership Lens

Each issue of the BCASBO Briefing will include a short leadership reflection connected to the work of school business officials, Association priorities, and the changing environment districts are navigating.

Adaptability: Building the Muscle for Change

The Summer Briefing's Leadership Lens asked where leaders need to stay the course and where they need to adapt. A recent Forbes article takes that idea a step further, arguing that adaptability - not simply resilience - is becoming a critical modern leadership skill.

The distinction is useful. Resilience is often about absorbing disruption and recovering, while adaptability is about learning, adjusting, and finding a way forward when there may be no return to the old normal. For school business officials, that can mean responding to changing financial pressures, new technology, evolving Ministry expectations, workforce challenges, and increasingly complex operational demands.

One of the most practical ideas in the article is that adaptability can be developed. Leaders can deliberately introduce small changes, question familiar routines, focus teams on solving problems rather than simply completing established tasks, and create space to reconsider assumptions when new information emerges.

That does not mean changing direction for the sake of change. Strong leadership still requires stability, judgment, and follow-through. The opportunity is to build teams that can hold onto their purpose while remaining flexible about how they achieve it.

A question to consider:

What is one routine, assumption, or process you could change this fall to help your team become more adaptable?

Read: Why Adaptability, Not Resilience, Is Today's Key Leadership Skill (Forbes)(opens in new tab)

Coming Up / Action Items

September 1: Ministry Lunch & Learn webinar on Eligibility of Students for Operating Grant Funding (Ordinarily Resident) Policy.
By September 14: Complete the BCASBO Learning Platform Interest Form to help shape the potential Fair Chance Learning platform.
By September 18 at 12:00 p.m.: Register for the first Legal Professional Development Lunch & Learn session.
September 22: BCASBO Risk Management Network meeting. Members interested in joining can contact Ellen Bryden.
September 24, 12:00–1:00 p.m.: Legal PD Lunch & Learn: Liability and Risk Management for School District Business Officials via Teams.
By September 30 at 12:00 p.m.: Register for the October 6 Legal PD Lunch & Learn session on Workplace Investigations.
October 6, 12:00–1:00 p.m.: Legal PD Lunch & Learn: Workplace Investigations via Teams.
By October 21 at 12:00 p.m.: Register for the October 27 Legal PD Lunch & Learn session on Contract Law Fundamentals.
October 27, 12:00–1:00 p.m.: Legal PD Lunch & Learn: Contract Law Fundamentals via Teams.
Watch for the Budget Reduction & Revenue Generation Strategies Survey in mid-October and share your district’s experience when it launches.
Register for the 2026 Fall Conference at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver on November 24 and 25.
Watch for the Leadership Series Cohort 9 registration invitation in September, with the program expected to begin in January 2027.
Visit the Member Resource Library and continue sharing ideas for practical templates, tools, checklists, and resources.
Continue sharing emerging issues and professional learning needs through your Zone Director or directly with BCASBO.

For more information, visit www.bcasbo.ca or connect with BCASBO directly:

Executive Director
executivedirector@bcasbo.ca

Member Services Coordinator
mgosse@bcasbo.ca

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BCASBO 2026 Fall Conference

Mallory Gosse — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:46:51 +0000

The BCASBO Fall Professional Development Conference is being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver on November 24 and 25, 2026.

The conference program, registration information, and sponsorship opportunity information will be available in September.

Inquiries can be sent to Executive Director David Green at executivedirector@bcasbo.ca.

Hyatt Regency Hotel
655 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 2R7

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM

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BCASBO Briefing – Summer 2026

Mallory Gosse — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:58:27 +0000

BCASBO Briefing - Summer 2026

Member Updates, Sector Issues & Resources

Welcome to the Summer 2026 edition of the BCASBO Briefing. This update brings together messages from the President and Executive Director, current Association priorities, sector updates, professional learning opportunities, and resources intended to support BCASBO members in their work across B.C. school districts.

In This Issue:

President's Message

As we begin the 2026/27 Executive year, one of the key areas of focus for BCASBO will be continuing to strengthen the value we provide to members across the province.

At the recent Executive Committee meetings, members spoke about the importance of linking the Association’s Strategic Plan to practical action. This includes improving how we share information, supporting new and existing members, strengthening professional learning, and ensuring BCASBO continues to be a trusted voice on school district business issues.

The Executive Committee also discussed opportunities to learn from other sector organizations, including the Education Facility Managers Association, particularly in the areas of conference planning, vendor engagement, sponsorship, networking, and professional development. These conversations will help inform how BCASBO continues to build strong events and member services that are both sustainable and valuable.

Another important priority is continuing to build and strengthen relationships with Ministry and sector partners, including the Ministry of Education and Child Care, Ministry of Infrastructure, BCSTA, BCPSEA, Focused Education Resources, and others. BCASBO members bring significant operational, financial, human resources, facilities, technology, and governance expertise, and we want to ensure that expertise is available to inform sector conversations early and meaningfully.

Thank you to the Executive Committee, Zone Directors, Directors at Large, committee representatives, and members who continue to contribute their time, experience, and ideas. Your involvement helps BCASBO remain connected to the real issues facing school districts and focused on the supports members need most.

Executive Director's Report

Over the past couple of months, much of the Association’s work has focused on preparing for, attending, and following up from the 2026 AGM and Conference, as well as supporting the Executive Committee in transition into the next school year.

I was pleased to welcome Mallory Gosse, our Member Services Coordinator, to the Association on her first day of work on May 20, 2026. Mallory already has made significant improvements in the way we do business, and she will be a tremendous support for me and for our members.

Current areas of work for me include continued Ministry and sector partner engagement, Asset Retirement Obligations, taking part in the Board Policy Review Advisory Committee, exploring revenue generation opportunities with Fair Chance Learning, planning for Cohort 9 of the Leadership Series, connecting with the Association Secretary Treasurer on financial matters, transitioning responsibilities to Mallory, and continued follow-up on issues raised by members.

At the June 18 and 19 Executive Committee meeting, we spent considerable time reviewing the 2023–2028 Strategic Plan and identifying practical ways to move the plan forward. Key areas of focus include strengthening Ministry and partner relationships, improving committee reporting, supporting zone communication, enhancing the website and member experience, reviewing mentorship and new member orientation materials, and developing a more intentional approach to templates and resources.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was member value. BCASBO is exploring ways to better organize and share practical tools, professional learning opportunities, committee updates, sector information, and resources that members can use in their day-to-day work.

This first online edition of the BCASBO Briefing will support that direction. By bringing Association updates, Ministry and sector information, professional learning opportunities, and member resources together in one place, the BCASBO Briefing will become a regular tool to help members stay informed, connected, and supported.

BCASBO News

68th AGM & Conference

BCASBO held its 68th Annual General Meeting on May 20, 2026, during the AGM & Conference at the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre. The conference brought together members, speakers, sponsors, guests, and education partners for professional learning, networking, and Association business.

The AGM included recognition of the 2025/26 Executive Committee, greetings from ASBO International President, Lynn Knight, approval of reports and financial items, and confirmation of the incoming 2026/27 Executive Committee.

Conference Speaker Follow-Up: Charity Donation

Following the 2026 AGM & Conference, keynote speaker Darci Lang’s team made a $50 donation to BC Children’s Hospital as a thank-you connected to BCASBO.

BCASBO appreciates this thoughtful gesture and the opportunity to support an organization that provides important care for children and families across British Columbia.

2026/27 Executive Committee

The Association’s Annual General Meeting held on May 20, 2026 was highlighted with the election of the 2026/27 Executive Committee, with Jason Reid beginning his term as President. Please view the BCASBO Executive page on the website to see the respective roles of the Executive Committee members.

The new Executive Committee met in Victoria on June 18 and 19 to transition the work of the 2025–2026 Executive Committee to the new Executive. Each Committee member was asked during introductions to highlight what they would like to achieve in the year ahead. Members identified priorities including Strategic Plan implementation, improving member value, supporting new members, providing additional resources and professional learning across diverse roles, and building stronger relationships with the Ministry and sector partners.

Member Value and Strategic Plan Priorities

A key theme from both the AGM and June Executive Committee meetings was the importance of continuing to demonstrate and strengthen member value.

Following recent changes to the membership fee structure, the Executive Committee discussed practical ways to support members through improved resources, professional learning, zone communication, committee reporting, mentorship, new member orientation, and access to templates and tools.

Leadership Series and Professional Learning

BCASBO continues to support leadership development across the sector. Planning is underway for Cohort 9 of the Association’s Leadership Series.

The Executive Committee has also supported exploring additional professional development opportunities, including practical legal webinars for members.

Ministry & Sector Updates

Strengthening Ministry Engagement

The Committee also discussed opportunities to strengthen relationships with the Ministry of Education and Child Care, the Ministry of Infrastructure, BCSTA, BCPSEA, Focused Education Resources, and other sector partners. A key area of focus will be ensuring BCASBO can provide practical advice, sector context, and member expertise where decisions affect district operations.

Financial Management Updates

At the June Executive Committee meeting, Ministry staff provided updates and responded to questions related to labour settlement funding, CUPE bargaining and accounting treatment, PS 1202 financial statement presentation guideline, GRE reporting, GST guidance for childcare facilities, Asset Retirement Obligations, and other financial management matters.

With respect to district concerns about deficits caused by accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, BCASBO has received a response to President Reid’s June 10, 2026 letter. The Ministry has advised that it is reviewing the issue, working with the Office of the Comptroller General on potential solutions, and expects to seek approval on recommendations in early fall.

Members can view the related correspondence below:

President Reid’s June 10, 2026 letter regarding Asset Retirement Obligations

Ministry response regarding Asset Retirement Obligations

Members should watch for further communication as these items develop.

Child Care on School Grounds

Ministry staff also provided an update on the next phase of the Child Care on School Grounds initiative, referred to as “Child Care 2.0.” The discussion included access, funding programs, minor capital funding, operational start-up funding, and future guidance for transforming school facilities into equitable childcare spaces.

The Executive Committee members also discussed practical implementation challenges, including the feasibility of sharing school space, classroom sharing, and the need for clearer guidance for districts.

Focused Education Cybersecurity Update

Focused Education Resources provided an update on cybersecurity supports for school districts, including active directory reviews, the ARC project, district dashboards, risk tracking, webinars, user guides, and access to threat intelligence information through the Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange.

Districts are encouraged to watch for further information from Focused Education Resources and consider available supports where applicable.

Unfunded Inflationary Pressures: Next Steps

The Executive Committee continued discussion on unfunded inflationary pressures and the need to better understand how districts are balancing budgets, what areas have been reduced, and what services or supports districts are no longer able to provide.

A sub-committee of the Executive Committee has been formed to develop a sector-wide survey of budget reduction and revenue generation strategies. The goal is to build a practical resource that can be shared with districts and help members better understand approaches being used across the sector.

Budget 2027 Written Submission

BCASBO submitted a written response to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services as part of the Provincial Government’s Budget 2027 consultation process.

The submission had the following recommendation to Government:

That operating funding to school districts fully reflect annual inflationary costs so that existing K–12 programs can be sustained in future years.

The submission also referenced the information report Responsiveness of Provincial Funding to Cost Pressures in BC School Districts and highlighted the negative impact of unfunded cost pressures on school district budgets.

Read the Submission Here

Professional Learning & Events

Ministry Lunch & Learn Webinar Series

BCASBO is continuing to work with the Ministry of Education and Child Care on a new Lunch & Learn Webinar series for the next school year focused on practical topics for school business officials. Topics presented in the 2025–2026 series included CEF reporting, SOFI, funding formulas, budget monitoring, financial health processes, audit-related topics, and compliance audit outcomes. Members should contact the Executive with specific topics they would like to see presented.

Further details, including dates and registration information, will be shared with members once confirmed.

Leadership Series Cohort 9

At the June Executive Committee meeting, the committee approved moving forward with a funding proposal to the Ministry of Education and Child Care to support Cohort 9 of the Association’s Leadership Series Program. As with Cohort 8, the emphasis will be the Ministry’s Management Foundation Standards. Planning will continue in consultation with Ministry partners, facilitators, table coaches, and past contributors to ensure the program continues to support leadership development across school district business roles.

Legal Professional Development Lunch & Learn Series

BCASBO is pleased to introduce a new Legal Professional Development Lunch & Learn series for members beginning this fall.

The first session will focus on Liability and Risk Management for School District Business Officials. This introductory session will provide members with a general overview of legal considerations related to liability, risk, and school district operations.

The Executive Committee has supported this initiative, and Director at Large Mark Walsh is working with the Executive Director to coordinate sessions with interested legal professionals.

First Session Details

Topic: Liability and Risk Management for School District Business Officials
Tentative Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Format: Virtual via Teams
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

Members interested in attending the first session can register using the link below. Additional details, including the presenter and Teams meeting link, will be shared with registered participants once finalized.

Fall Conference Planning

Planning is beginning for the 2026 Fall Conference, which is being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver on November 24 and 25, 2026.

The Executive Committee discussed opportunities to strengthen member value, improve vendor engagement, support networking, and continue offering professional learning that reflects the diverse needs of BCASBO’s membership. Ideas discussed included vendor presentations, roundtable-style opportunities, extended networking time, and ways to better understand barriers for members who are unable to attend.

BCASBO will share more information with members as conference planning progresses.

Additional Professional Learning Areas

BCASBO will continue exploring professional development opportunities connected to ethics requirements, anti-money laundering professional development, cybersecurity, risk management, artificial intelligence, human resources, facilities, finance, and other emerging areas identified by members.

Members are encouraged to share professional learning ideas through their Zone Directors or directly with BCASBO.

Member Resources: Coming Soon

New Member & Role-Based Supports

BCASBO is reviewing ways to support new members and members moving into new roles, including mentorship materials, orientation resources, and role-specific tools.

Website Resource Library

BCASBO is looking at ways to better organize conference materials, professional learning resources, partner links, and member tools on the website, so they are easier to find and use. We will have the PowerPoint presentations from the 2025 Fall Conference, the 2026 AGM and conference, and Cohort 8 of the Leadership Series available soon.

Help Build BCASBO’s Member Resource Library

BCASBO is gathering member input to help identify the templates, tools, checklists, and resources that would be most useful in day-to-day district work.

Your feedback will help guide the development of practical resources that reflect real needs across roles, districts, zones, and functional areas.

Share Your Input

Zone & Committee Connections

Zone Connections

Zone Directors play a key role in helping BCASBO stay connected to member questions, regional priorities, and emerging issues across the province.

The Executive Committee discussed opportunities to better support zone meetings through shared agenda and minutes templates, clearer standing items, and improved ways for information to move between zones and the Executive Committee.

This work will help ensure member questions, resource needs, and regional themes are captured and shared in a more consistent way.

Committee Reporting & Member Voice

BCASBO members participate in a variety of committees, networks, and sector discussions that help inform the Association’s work.

At the June meeting, the Executive Committee discussed the importance of clarifying committee roles, identifying who is serving on which committees, confirming reporting expectations, and ensuring information flows back to the Executive Committee and out to members where appropriate.

This will help BCASBO better share updates, identify priorities, and support members with timely and relevant information.

Stay Connected Through Your Zone Director

Members are encouraged to continue sharing questions, resource ideas, professional learning needs, and emerging issues through their Zone Directors. Zone feedback will help inform future BCASBO Briefings, member resources, professional learning opportunities, and Executive Committee discussions.

Leadership Lens

Leading Through Change: Staying the Course or Changing Course?

Leadership often requires balancing persistence with adaptability. In busy and complex environments, it can be tempting to keep pushing forward with a plan simply because time, effort, and resources have already been invested.

At the same time, effective leadership also requires knowing when to pause, reassess, and adjust course.

This is especially relevant as BCASBO continues to move its Strategic Plan into action, strengthen member resources, support new and existing members, respond to cost pressures, and build relationships with Ministry and sector partners.

As the Association looks ahead, one helpful question is:

Where do we need to stay the course, and where do we need to adapt to better support members?

Coming Up / Action Items

Members are encouraged to watch for further updates and opportunities connected to the following items.

Watch for further details on the proposed Ministry Lunch & Learn Webinar series.
Watch for updates on the 2026 Fall Conference, including planning, registration, and professional learning opportunities.
Watch for information on Leadership Series Cohort 9, pending Ministry funding approval.
Share ideas for member templates, tools, checklists, and resources through the Member Resource Input form.
Continue sharing questions, emerging issues, and professional learning needs through your Zone Director.
Watch for future updates on the sector-wide survey related to budget reduction and revenue generation strategies.
Check the BCASBO website for AGM & Conference highlights, resources, and member updates.

For more information, visit www.bcasbo.ca or connect with BCASBO directly:

Executive Director
executivedirector@bcasbo.ca

Member Services Coordinator
mgosse@bcasbo.ca

The post BCASBO Briefing – Summer 2026 appeared first on BCASBO.

BCASBO 2026 AGM and Conference – Connected by Purpose

Susan Hooper — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:06:05 +0000

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

The BCASBO 2026 AGM and Conference "Connected by Purpose", will be held from Wednesday, May 20th to Friday, May 22nd at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. Please register using the link above. See below for the agenda and hotel information.

The Planning Committee can arrange transportation this year from Kelowna airport to Penticton mid-afternoon on May 19, 2026 with a return service on May 22, 2026 at noon.  Please indicate when you register if you are interested in taking advantage of this service.

Please note that photos of you may be taken during the conference for publicity and marketing purposes

RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM - Group Code BCASBO2026

Conference Venue:

Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre
21 Lakeshore Drive West
Penticton, BC V2A 7M5
1-800-663-9400

Booking Your Room

The BCASBO Room Block at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre is also now open until April 7, 2026. The online booking link is below and is available for guests wishing to book May 18- 23, 2026, pending availability. Please use the Group Code BCASBO2026

https://pentictonlakesideresort.ibe.stayntouch.com/

Anyone looking to book before or after the room block dates will have to contact the hotel directly via phone or email. The extended dates aren't available through the online link.

If the desired room type isn't listed under the online link, the hotel’s inventory of that specific room type may be limited. Guests are welcome to contact the hotel directly (via phone or email) to see if there is any availability over the dates of interest

Please note if you book through a third-party website or agent, you will not receive the discounted group rate.

You may also make your room reservation by calling 250-493-8221 or 1-800-663-9400 or emailing lakeside@rpbhotels.com and identifying yourself as a member of the BCASBO AGM & Conference.

Please note that no more than 3 reservations could be made per person and that all reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card.

Conference room rates are:

MAIN BUILDING:

Double Queen Guestrooms:       City View $216| Beach View $224| Lake View $233

King Guestrooms:                            City View $233 | Beach View $241| Lake View $250

King Suites:                                         City View $275 | Partial Lake View $288 | Lake View $301

WEST WING:

West Wing King Guestrooms:     Park View $267 | Partial Lake View $267| Lake View $284

West Wing King Suites:                  Park View $301 | Partial Lake View $318 | Lower Lake View $335 | Upper Lake View $352

Room rates are based on single/double occupancy, are net, non-commissionable and subject to applicable taxes. Taxes total 16% (8% PST, 5% GST and 3% AHRT) and are subject to change with legislation. Specific room types are subject to availability at the time of booking.

Parking at the resort is at a rate of $20.00 per day plus GST.

The post BCASBO 2026 AGM and Conference – Connected by Purpose appeared first on BCASBO.

BCASBO 2025 Fall Conference

Susan Hooper — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:25:46 +0000

The BCASBO 2025 Fall Conference will take place at the Westin Bayshore, Vancouver BC on Wednesday, November 26 to Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Registration information:
BCASBO Members: $599 + GST
Non-Members Employed by British Columbia School Districts: $699 + GST

Refund Policy: A refund of paid registration will be given for cancellations made on or before November 12th, 2025. After November 12th, there will be no refunds.

Westin Bayshore, Vancouver
1601 Bayshore Drive
Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4

Please note that photos of you may be taken during the conference for publicity and marketing purposes.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM

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BCASBO 2025 FallConference

Mallory Gosse — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:10:00 +0000

The BCASBO 2025 Fall Conference will take place at the Westin Bayshore, Vancouver BC on Wednesday, November 26 to Thursday, November 27, 2025. More details will be added as they become available.

Registration information:
BCASBO Members: $599 + GST
Non-Members Employed by British Columbia School Districts: $699 + GST

Refund Policy: A refund of paid registration will be given for cancellations made on or before November 12th, 2025. After November 12th, there will be no refunds.

Westin Bayshore, Vancouver
1601 Bayshore Drive
Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4

Please note that photos of you may be taken during the conference for publicity and marketing purposes.

RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM

The post BCASBO 2025 FallConference appeared first on BCASBO.

BCASBO 2025 AGM and Conference “Leading Through Change”

Mallory Gosse — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 23:49:15 +0000

The BCASBO 2025 AGM and Conference "Leading Through Change" will take place at the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Center from Wednesday, May 21st to Friday, May 23rd, 2025.

The program this year is structured on four main streams: Finance Leadership (FL), Finance Operations (FO), Human Resources and Payroll (HP), and Risk Management and IT (RI). There will be topics in both the plenary sessions and the breakouts encompassing these streams.

REGISTER HERE

Refund Policy: A refund of paid registration will be given for cancellations made on or before May 10th, 2025. After May 10th, there will be no refunds.

Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre
21 Lakeshore Drive West
Penticton, BC V2A 7M5
1-800-663-9400

Book Venue HERE

Transportation Information: Kelowna Concierge will pickup May 20th @ 2:45pm from Kelowna Airport to Penticton Lakeside Resort Hotel, with a return service on May 23rd at 12:00 noon. Please contact David Green to sign up for this service.

Please note that photos of you may be taken during the conference for publicity and marketing purposes.

Preview Agenda

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BCASBO 2024 Fall Conference

Mallory Gosse — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:25:08 +0000

The BCASBO 2024 Fall Conference will take place at the Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver BC on Tuesday, November 19 to Wednesday November 20, 2024. More details will be added as they become available.

Registration Information:
BCASBO Members: $549.00 + GST
Non-Members Employed by British Columbia School Districts: $699.00 + GST

Refund Policy: A refund of paid registration will be given for cancellations made on or before November 5th, 2024. After November 5th, there will be no refunds.

Book Venue HERE

Westin Bayshore Hotel
1601 Bayshore Drive
Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4

Please note that photos of you may be taken during the conference for publicity and marketing purposes.

AGENDA

Download WHOVA App

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BCASBO 2024 AGM and Conference

Mallory Gosse — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 19:00:24 +0000

Agenda

The BCASBO 2024 AGM and Conference will take place at the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Center from Wednesday, May 22 to Friday, May 24, 2024. For more details please click on registration link below.

Registration Information:

BCASBO Members: $699.00 + GST
Non-Members Employed by British Columbia School Districts: $849.00 + GST

REGISTER HERE

Refund Policy: A refund of paid registration will be given for cancellations made on or before May 10th, 2024. After May 10th, there will be no refunds.

Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre
21 Lakeshore Drive West
Penticton, BC V2A 7M5
1-800-663-9400

Book Venue HERE

Please note that photos of you may be taken during the conference for publicity and marketing purposes.

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BCASBO Fall Conference 2023

Mallory Gosse — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 20:35:04 +0000

The BCASBO Fall Conference 2023 will take place at the Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver BC on Wednesday, November 22 to Thursday November 23, 2023. More details will be added as they become available.

Registration Information:
BCASBO Members: $549.00 + GST
Non-Members Employed by British Columbia School Districts: $699.00 + GST

Refund Policy: A refund of paid registration will be given for cancellations made on or before November 8th, 2023. After November 8th, there will be no refunds.

Book Venue HERE

Westin Bayshore Hotel
1601 Bayshore Drive
Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4

Please note that photos of you may be taken during the conference for publicity and marketing purposes.

AGENDA

Download WHOVA App

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