Those who work for and with Texas school districts need to keep up with the latest state and federal regulatory changes. Gain valuable insights from key regulators and leading experts on accounting, auditing, compliance, budgeting, and the latest legislative updates impacting Texas schools. Network with peers, engage in expert-led discussions, and walk away with actionable strategies to strengthen financial operations.

Key Highlights:

• Key updates from TEA and AICPA’s GAQC
• Budgeting strategies from district CFOs
• Compliance insights on federal grant programs
• The latest on AI, fraud prevention, and efficiency audits
•  Interactive CFO Roundtable & Ask the Experts session
  

When: June 2-3, 2025

Where: San Antonio | Norris Conference Center

Webcast option available

CPE Hours: 16.5

Early bird registration deadline: May 12, 2025

Conference Hotel: Aloft San Antonio Airport | Make a reservation
838 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78216
Rate: $105
Rate Cut-Off Date: May 2, 2025

Complete session details will be available soon.

Day One - Monday, June 2, 2025 

8 - 9:15 a.m. - The News from Financial Compliance
David Marx, CPA/Director, Office of School Finance/Financial Compliance/TEA/Austin
Join us to learn about the latest updates in Financial Compliance, including significant changes to the AUDIT Application. This session will cover important topics such as revisions to the Financial Accountability System Resource Guide (FASRG), updates to the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST), and modifications to State Allotments.

Major Topics:

• State Compliance
• Accounting

Session Objectives:

• To understand the changes that are upcoming to the FASRG
• Learning about the changes in the AUDIT Application

9:20 - 10:20 a.m.- Single Audit and GAQC Update
Blaine Jasper, CPA/Principal/Baker Tilly/Austin
Join us for an essential update on Single Audits and the latest developments from the AICPA’s Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC). This session will provide Texas school district finance professionals and auditors with insights into recent regulatory changes, key compliance areas, and common audit deficiencies impacting federal and state funding.

Major Topics:

Session Objectives:

• Identify recent regulatory and compliance updates affecting Single Audits for Texas school districts
• Recognize common audit deficiencies and best practices to improve audit quality and compliance
• Understand the role of the AICPA’s Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC) and how its resources can support auditors and finance professionals

10:20 - 10:35 a.m. - Break

10:35 - 11:35 a.m. - Navigating School District Budgets: From Compliance to Cost Reduction to Communication
David Pate, CPA/Assistant Superintendent of Finance/Richardson
Kelsey Ramos, MBA, RTSBA/Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations/Calallen ISD/Corpus Christi
David Pate, CPA/Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Support Services/Richardson ISD/Richardson
This session is designed to equip auditors and school finance leaders with best practices for building, monitoring and managing budgets effectively. Participants will learn from both a small and large district CFO on strategies for cost reduction, maintaining or increasing fund balances, and aligning financial decisions with district goals. We will focus on best practices for clear communication with the school board, ensuring transparency and collaborative decision-making in financial matters.

Major Topics:

• Budget
• Compliance
• Communication

Session Objectives:

• Learn and apply effective strategies for budget development and budget management
• Analyze and implement cost-reduction strategies
• Enhance communication and collaboration in financial decision-making

11:35 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. – Networking Lunch

12:25 - 1:25 p.m. - Education Funding Outcomes from the 89th Texas Legislature
Janet Spurgin/Chief Research Officer/TASBO/Austin
This session will provide a deep dive into education funding outcomes from the 89th Texas Legislature's regular session. In addition to measures directly affecting funding, information will be provided concerning measures that may affect school costs and longer-range revenue and expenditure considerations.

Major Topics:

• School revenues and expenditures
• Recent legislative action
• Budgeting and planning 

Session Objectives:

• Attendees will learn about major education funding outcomes of the recent legislative session and the bearing those have on school revenues and expenditures

1:30 - 3 p.m - Compliance Requirements and Audit Considerations: Child Nutrition, Special Education, and Title I, Part A
Celina Cereceres, CPA, CFE/Partner/Whitley Penn, LLP/League City
Lupe Garcia, CPA/Partner/Whitley Penn, LLP/Houston
This session will delve into the compliance requirements and audit considerations for three critical federal programs: Child Nutrition, Special Education (IDEA Part B), and Title I, Part A. Attendees will gain insights into the regulatory frameworks governing these programs, best practices for ensuring compliance, and key audit strategies to enhance accountability and program effectiveness.

Major Topics:

• Overview of Federal Grant Programs
• Compliance Requirements
• Audit Considerations
• Common Compliance Challenges
• Tools and Resources

Session Objectives:

• Understand the Compliance Frameworks: Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the regulatory requirements and compliance mandates for Child Nutrition, Special Education (IDEA Part B), and Title I, Part A programs.
• Develop Effective Audit Strategies: Attendees will learn key audit strategies and best practices to ensure accountability, enhance program effectiveness, and address common compliance challenges.
• These objectives will help guide the session and ensure participants leave with actionable insights and practical knowledge.

3 - 3:15 p.m. - Break

3:15 - 4:15 p.m. - State of AI in Accounting  
Devlin Liles/ CCO/ Improving/Plano
This session bridges the gap between AI’s transformative potential and its real-world implementation, offering actionable strategies to cut through industry hype. Attendees will learn how to prioritize AI tools that enhance efficiency (e.g., automating workflows, client communication, and meeting summaries) while addressing risks like data security, ethical compliance, and maintaining trust.

Major Topics: 

• Real-world AI applications review and case studies 
• Strategies for overcoming skepticism 
• Risk mitigation: Data privacy, AICPA/IRS compliance, and avoiding AI hallucinations 
• Cost-benefit analysis of AI tools 
• Overview of where the industry is heading. 

Session Objectives: 

• Distinguish between AI proven capabilities and hype in the market. 
• Understanding how to choose tools and safeguard information privacy. 

4:15 - 5:30 p.m. - CFO Roundtable: Navigating Financial Challenges
David Johnson, CPA/Chief Financial Officer/Grapevine-Colleyville ISD/Grapevine
Jennifer Land, CPA, RTSBA/Chief Financial Officer/Pflugerville ISD/Round Rock
Karen Smith, CPA/Chief Financial Officer/Cypress-Fairbanks ISD/Cypress
Join a panel of experienced CFOs as they explore key issues shaping the school business in today’s environment. Gain practical insights on balancing financial stewardship and effectively managing stakeholder expectations. This session offers valuable leadership perspectives for navigating financial challenges.

Major Topics:

• Issues facing the school business office
• Strategies for overcoming complex financial issues

Session Objectives:

• Learn how to manage stakeholder expectations

Day Two - Tuesday, June 3, 2025 

8 - 9:30 a.m. - GASB Update
Blake Rodgers, CPA/Partner/Deloitte & Touche LLP/Dallas

9:35 - 10:35 a.m.- Performing Efficiency Audits 

10:35 - 10:50 a.m. - Break

10:50 - 11:50 a.m. - Risk Assessment and Internal Controls

11:50 a.m. - 12:40 p.m. Networking Lunch

12:40 - 1:40 p.m.- Fraud 

1:45 - 3 p.m.- Ask the Experts - Do you still have unanswered questions? If so, this question-and-answer session was designed just for you! A panel of school districts experts will be ready to discuss the ins and outs of school districts.  

Staff Liaison
Anice Asberry

Speakers

Tell us more about you and your topic(s) and we’ll share your proposal with our learning team and program planning volunteers. Be a speaker