Attached is an RFP for Education, Classroom, Miscellaneous Support Furniture and Related Products and Services. The RFP was issued by San Diego Unified School District, CA on behalf of U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance and other government agencies. Thank you for your assistance and continued support of U.S. Communities.

Wilkes-Barre, Pa. - - Wilkes University will partner with the Association for School Business Officials Maryland and the District of Columbia to offer a master of science degree in School Business Leadership. The master’s degree in School Business Leadership is an online program designed for professionals managing the business of education. The program launched in 2007 in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association for School Business Officials (PASBO). To date, over 200 school business professionals have enrolled in the program from across the country. The 30-credit program consists of 10 courses that address critical issues in the school business field related to finance, facilities, food service, human resources, information technology, public relations and transportation. Classes are held in 12 week sessions in the fall, spring and summer semesters. It can be completed in as little as two years. Additional information can be found at www.wilkes.edu/sbl or by calling (800) WILKES-U Ext. 5535.

WHAT IS IT ??? Keep your eyes open for your invitation to participate in your first BIG activity. Don't know what BIG is? Guess you'll have to wait for more information!

ASBO International has awarded its prestigious 2013-2014 Meritorious Budget Award to three Maryland school systems. This award recognizes excellence in school budget presentation and skill in developing, analyzing, and presenting a clear and effective budget. ASBO MD&DC congratulates this year's recipients: Baltimore County Public Schools Board of Education of Wicomico County Cecil County Public Schools

ASBO MD&DC now has 1,150 members. By December 31st our goal is to have 1,500 members! We can reach that goal, and surpass it, if each of you recruits just one new member. Talk to new staff, colleagues who used to be members and those you work with who have never been a member. Word of mouth and your personal endorsement is our best advertisement. We can make it happen!

We've been telling you to look for it in the future and the future is here! The NEW ASBO MD&DC website is up and running! Although still under last stages of construction, members will receive log in information in the very near future. Members will be able to register for workshops, foundation courses, and conferences online as well as renew membership and update member information anytime online! Search our new online directory for other members or follow online forums for each area of interest!

The Board of Directors of ASBO MD&DC met at the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) Office in Annapolis, Maryland on May 7, 2014.

The next Board of Directors meeting will be on Tuesday, August 5th at MABE, starting promptly at 9:30. Note that this is a change from the August 6th date originally scheduled.

ASBOI 2014 EAGLE INSTITUTE at 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20005

September 12, 2014 9:00 - 4:00 Foundations of Human Resource Workshop - AACP Put this on your schedule today!

September 19 - 22, 2014 ASBOi 2014 Annual Meeting and Expo in Florida

October 31, 2014 9:00 - 4:00 - Foundations of School Finance Workshop at AACPS You won't want to miss this!

November 17, 2014 7:00 - 5:00 2014 ASBO Fall Conference at the Maritime Institute

November 21, 2014 9:00 - 4:00 Foundations of School Transportation Workshop - AACPS Don't miss the bus heading toward this workshop!

December 12, 2014 9:00 - 4:00 - Foundations of School Facilities Workshop - AACPS "Build on it!"

BCPS welcomes Kevin Smith as the new Chief Operating Officer. Kevin is joining us from Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia.

Gerard Barrett and Steve Hagis are retiring from Charles County effective 6-30-14

Mike Sines retired as Chief Operating Officer he was replaced by Kevin Smith from Henrico Co. Virginia.

On July 1, 2014, Calvert County Public Schools will welcome new superintendent Daniel D. Curry, Ed.D.

HCPS Interim, Barbara Canavan, was appointed to Superintendent with a four year contract effective July 1 2014

Mary Klatko Director of Food and Nutrition Services is retiring from Howard County Public Schools

Rochelle S. Eisenberg, Esq., Attorney at Pessin Katz Law - Recipient of Carl W. Smith Excellence in Education Award

The Baltimore County school system is scheduled to implement a new digital technology program in 10 designated 'Lighthouse' schools in the fall, and educators from the schools chosen to pilot the program took part in a two-day conference at Cockeysville Middle School. Staff from 10 public schools attend two-day conference in preparation of 'Lighthouse' rollout. By Lauren Loricchio, lloricchio@tribune.com July 2, 2014

School ConstructionNEWS, March/April 2014 issue In this article from School ConstructionNEWS, planners develop a phased modernization program to create modernized school facilities to provide a 21st century learning environment to students. This article has approval to reprint from School ConstructionNEWS

Written by Bob Wooten for Government Procurement magazine

In this article by Julia Hanna, published by FORBES on July 9, 2014, Harvard professor Jan Rivkin discusses how business leaders can partner more effectively with educators to support America's students and schools.

On March 4, 2014 President Obama released his Fiscal Year 2015 Budget.

Answers to Your Questions About the Discretionary Grants Process (April 2010). Grantmaking at ED provides a non-technical summary of ED's discretionary grant process and the laws and regulations that govern it. This site provides links and resources in document formats.

Issues in Education - School Business Affairs Magazine May, 2014 Education leaders can use these strategies to ready their curriculum for Common Core implementation. From "10 Tips for Migrating Your Curriculum to the Common Core"

What steps does your district take to ensure the purchasing process is ethical? By Kimberly Bauer Financial Resource Management - School Business Affairs Magazine May, 2014

Solar power may be an option at a time of increasing electric rates. Several alternatives are available for funding a solar power project. Jody Andres, AIA LEED AP Ancillary Services - School Business Affairs Magazine - May, 2014

It’s an age-old debate: How do we ensure the safety of our students? By Robert J. Safransky, Ph.D. Issues in Education - School Business Affairs - June, 2014

These five qualities are gifts that true leaders give freely to others. By Barry Banther Leadership for School Business – School Business Affairs Magazine, June, 2014

School business officials are in a prime position to help transform public education. By Carl H. Gruenler School Business Leadership – School Business Affairs Magazine, June, 2014

Creative thinking is an important skill that leaders can cultivate in their team members. By John Canfield School Business Leadership – School Business Affairs Magazine, June 2014

The IRS final regulations surrounding the Free Rider Penalty under healthcare reform may have consequences for the nation’s school districts. By Susan Relland Human Resources – School Business Affairs Magazine, June, 2014

Finding experienced facilities managers is a growing challenge that requires a targeted strategy. By Tom Blackwell Leadership for School Business – School Business Affairs Magazine, June, 2014

Data collection & reporting is not typically known as your favorite part of the job. Like a yearly check up at the Dr., it isn't fun, but it's got to be done.