Thank you for coming to the Annual Finance Seminar! This event is designed for charter school finance and business operations professionals, CFOs, Finance Directors, school leaders, and governance board members. Each year, we explore policy changes and innovations in finance and operations management.

We’re grateful you joined us to reflect on recent challenges, reimagine our work moving forward, and connect with peers in the field.

Please fill out this survey to give us your thoughts on the event.

Agenda **

  • 9:00 - 9:45 am: Kickoff and Welcome
    The League and Great Schools Colorado (Charter School Program, CSP) Updates
    Dawna Taylor, Bill Knous, Karolina Villagrana, Bright Homawoo, Tanesha Bell, Prateek Dutta and Patti Glock (Colorado League of Charter Schools)

  • 9:50 - 10:00 am: Break

  • 10:00 - 11:00 am: 
    Exploration and Discovery of Obstacles within CSP Spend Down 
    Stephanie VanDyk, Junior Partner and Chief of Staff, Lumen Impact Group

  • 11:00 - 11:10 am: Break

  • 11:10 - 12:15 pm:
    How to Successfully Use CSCC Funds & Plan for BEST Grant 
    Brandon LaChance, Regional Manager, CDE Capital Construction
    Get an overview of the Colorado Department of Education’s (CDE) Charter School Capital Construction (CSCC) and Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) programs. Covers eligibility, funding availability, allowable uses, and timelines for support of major infrastructure projects focused on health, safety, and security. It also addresses steps for applying, matching funds requirements, and the importance of thorough planning and master plans for long-term facility improvements.

  • 12:15 - 12:45 pm: Lunch

  • 12:15 - 12:45 pm: 
    State of CDE and SFIG Updates
    Bill Kottenstette and Paola Paga (CDE Schools of Choice)

  • 12:45 - 2:15 pm: 
    The Strategic CFO
    Glenn Gustafson, School Finance Manager, CDE
    Learn practical ideas and actionable steps for linking your school's strategic plan to both the budget and revenue/expenditure optimization ideas

  • 2:15 - 2:30 pm: Closing remarks

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