Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze? Budgeting When Funding Is Complicated
Funding cliffs aren't over. The Student Support Block Grant just doubled and, despite some overall economic insanity, one-time funds keep magically landing in school budgets. The decisions leaders make about how and when to spend these funds, and whether to spend them at all, are harder to make than they look. Budget development has always required tough tradeoffs, but today's environment adds another layer of complexity. Which expenses belong in the core budget, and which should be funded with one-time dollars? How do schools build a spending plan around funds that won't be there in Year Three? And how do schools stay on top of funding opportunities when they're already managing a hundred other things? This session brings together a team of back office providers and school leaders who have worked through these questions in real time. The presenters will get specific about funding sources and walk through a practical framework for making budget decisions they can defend when the money gets complicated. Participants will leave with a clearer strategy for timing their spend, protecting their core, and making sure the juice is actually worth the squeeze.
Presented by
Bill Dobson Director MY Academy
Matthew Lemos Director of Client Finance Charter Impact
Matthew is a Director of Client Finance at Charter Impact with over 20 years of finance experience and 8 years in education leadership. He works closely with school leaders and boards to align financial strategy with school mission, bringing expertise in budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and long-term planning. Matthew is known for a collaborative leadership style and a straightforward belief that fiscally sound schools are better positioned to serve students well.
Jamiela Sekou Director of Client Finance Charter Impact
Jamiela Sekou is Director of Client Finance at Charter Impact, bringing expertise in financial planning, federal funds management, and compliance auditing. A former classroom teacher turned finance leader, she previously served as Director of Finance for a nine-school charter network in Louisiana, overseeing budgets exceeding $100 million and consistently delivering clean audits. Her background also includes consulting work supporting cities, states, and nonprofits managing federal disaster recovery funds. Jamiela holds a BA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Tulane University.
Cindy Wagner Superintendent The O'Farrell Charter Schools
