Continued professional development is important for any position in any industry, but particularly in education. The education world is ever-changing because it is impacted by so many different resources and influenced by several components. There is no training provided in any other professional business setting that can prepare a business professional for the school business and school finance world.  

“We want our department to be the most efficient and accountable business office in the state,” said Farley Reeves, Frenship ISD Chief Financial Officer. "In order to do that we must be highly trained in each of our duties and responsibilities.” 

One would think accounting is accounting and payroll is payroll, regardless of where you are. For the most part that is correct, except for all the unique requirements from the differing governing bodies that impact public schools' business.  

Because of the intricacy surrounding education, the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) was created to bridge the gap from the ‘normal’ business office to the education business office. TASBO has developed a non-discriminatory, voluntary program of professional certification and continuing education to provide recognized standards of professional competence and educate its diverse constituency in professional business and operations practices. This program was especially created for school business administrators, officials, and specialists in the state of Texas.  

There are three different certificates: 

Certified Texas School Business Specialist - CTSBS (minimum of 7 courses) 

Certified Texas School Business Official - CTSBO (minimum of 10 courses) 

Registered Texas School Business Administrator - RTSBA (minimum of 15 courses) 

Education courses are based on these areas of specialization: Accounting, Distribution and Inventory, Information Technology, Information Technology Management, Internal Auditing, Maintenance and Operations, Payroll, PEIMS, Personnel, Purchasing and Supply Management, Risk Management, Safety and Security, School Nutrition, Instructional Materials, and Transportation. 

Certificate holders of the CTSBS, CTSBO, and RTSBA must receive at least 60 clock hours of continuing education every three years. This is to be completed by the end of the three-year period from the date of issuance or renewal to maintain the current certification. At the time of application for certification, the applicant must submit a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor regarding the applicant’s. integrity, character, ethical behavior, and efficiency and competency on the job. Each level of certification requires a minimum number of courses that must be taken in a classroom setting. Course credit earned under any certification level may be credited toward any higher certification level, where applicable. 

Below are each of the individuals and their certification.  

Certified Texas School Business Specialist - CTSBS 

Farley Reeves 

Certified Texas School Business Official - CTSBO 

Laurie McAdams 

Alicia Cox 

Valerie Pena 

Donna Newton 

Serena Wood 

Jennifer Houston 

Gwyn Hughes 

Registered Texas School Business Administrator - RTSBA 

Lela Vela 

Chad Smith 

Tim Williams