School Payroll Specialist Course Descriptions

Introduction to School Business (14 hours): An overview of school business operations with a focus on several key areas. The program begins with a brief background on the general functions of the school Business Office Manager. Major components of the program will include: listing and describing reports that must be filed with federal, state, and local agencies; reviewing school laws and the Revised School Code; introducing fund accounting processes; reviewing school organizational issues and operational issues (how school boards and administrators function); and exploring inter-relationships between the business office and site operations - offices in school buildings, facilities, transportation, and food services. Part of the program would be devoted to discussion about the roles and functions of the school business official.

Accounting Manual and Chart of Accounts (3 hours): What every school payroll/personnel should know about State Bulletin 1022 Accounting Manual and its relationship to their position in the school district. Learn how to accountfor payroll division of state and federal programs and compensated absences and averages. Find out how to monitor the budget.

TDP, IRS Sec. 125, 403(b), 457, and Workers' Compensation (6 hours): Understand the processing of workers' compensation claims and the legal and operational aspects of a deferred/defined contribution program and how it affects every payroll office in the state. Know the rules and regulations of 403(b) and caferteria plans (Sec. 125)

Record Keeping, Retention, Automation (3 hours): Review requirement for payroll/personnel records, automated file maintenance, and related retention procedures. Learn the privacy issues related to payroll and the rules in accessing personnel records. Also covered is an overview on FOIA, COBRA, and criminal record checks.

Collective Bargaining Agreement, Contracts (3 hours): Learn how to interpret the bargaining agreement language, understand leave benefits, and grievance procedures. An overview of union dues and political deductions and nondeductions. Learn how to administer overtime, FMLA, and FLSA. Also gain knowledge of the difference between and independent contractor vs. an employee.

Payroll & Tax Returns (941), W-2's, etc (6 hours): Understand the 941's, W-2's, tax deposit requirements, business expense accounting, retirement incentives, and other related paperwork related to payroll. Learn how to track sick time accurately. Be aware of the payroll function as it relates to automation, i.e. EFT, garnishments, and vendors. Know the difference between salary and hourly employees and how the payroll function may change.

Principles of Education (3 hours): Provide an understanding of: the educational process, culture of schools, major learning theories, teaching methodologies, school improvement, design of in-service programs, and the structure and function of the principalship.

Wrap-up (2 hours): A concluding session to very briefly review the major program content areas, provide references and resource materials, and offer a chance for the participants to reflect back and look forward on their roles.

Elective (3 hours): Any class can be taken in your area of specialty.

Total class time is 43 hours. Continuing Education hours are 90 hours within a five-calendar-year period.