The Certified Board Member Program is comprised of several training sessions designed to meet the developmental needs of individual board members. Training sessions within the core focus primarily on information giving and skill development. Each training session is designed specifically for board members and addresses the topics from a policy leader’s perspective.

The three (3) mandatory training components (FORUMS) combine with the three (3) curricular area components to ensure a board member obtains a well-rounded and thorough understanding of his or her policy-making job responsibilities.

A minimum of 96 points (1 point = 1 hour of training) are required to receive the CBM distinction. Participation is voluntary but highly recommended. To RETAIN the distinction, members must complete 15 hours in the 3 content areas within the calendar year and submit points no later than January 31 of the following year.

21 of the 96 points must be earned through prescribed training offered by FSBA in the curricular areas of School Finance, Policy Governance, and Personnel and Bargaining Issues. These topics cover an extensive amount of material and are offered biennially in a Forum format. Attendance at the Finance 2.0 Forum does not satisfy the CBM requirement to attend the original Finance Forum.

To earn the Certified Board Member Distinction, the 96 hour training requirement by fulfilling each curricular area as set forth by the Leadership Services Committee:

  • 10 hours of School Finance (Knowledge) via FSBA Forum (Attendance at the Finance 2.0 Forum does not satisfy the CBM requirement to attend the original Finance Forum.)
  • 7 hours of Policy Governance (Knowledge) via FSBA CBM Forum
  • 3 hours Bargaining 101 (Knowledge) via FSBA Forum
  • 25 hours Advocacy via any documented training
  • 26 hours Leadership via any documented training
  • 25 hours Knowledge via any documented training

Board members must document training hours by completing and submitting an official FSBA CBM form. Click HERE to access event-specific and generic CBM forms.

To inquire about the CBM Program, please contact Tina Pinkoson or Carolyn Sanders.

A school board automatically qualifies for the Certified Board Distinction when a majority of the board members has completed the annual renewal requirements. The FSBA Office monitors and determines when this distinction is earned by a school board. A school board is notified by the FSBA Office upon qualification for the distinction.

Bonnie Sue Agner, Taylor
Kim Amontree, Charlotte
Cynthia Armstrong, Pasco
Wendy Atkinson, Charlotte
Kelly Barrera, St. Johns
Colleen Beaudoin, Pasco
Cindy Belin, Gulf
Mary Bolla, Clay
Tammy Boyle, Levy
Paige Brookins, Levy
Cindy Johnson Brown, Washington
Milton Brown, Washington
Ginger Bryant, Citrus
Tim Bryant, Okaloosa
Anita Burnette, Volusia
Melissa Byrd, Orange
Allison Campbell, Marion
Cheryl Canova, Bradford
Brenda Carlton, Taylor
Tina Certain, Alachua
Karen Chancey, DeSoto
Dr. Lou Cleveland, Washington
Kelly Coker, Duval
Anthony Coleman, St. Johns
Carol Cook, Pinellas
Claire Cornell, Hardee
Sandra Counts, Citrus
Ed daSilva, Suwannee
Fonda Davis, Sr., Franklin
Marvin Davis, Gulf
Doug Dodd, Citrus
Crystal Drake, Glades
Deidra Dunnell, Taylor
Isaac Durrance, Highlands
Susan Duval, Hernando
Caprice Edmond, Pinellas
Paul Fetsko, Escambia
Mary Foreman, Manatee
Angie Gallo, Orange
Carol Gibson, Madison
Sandra Gilyard, Putnam
Melisa Giovannelli, Lee
Chephus Granberry, Jackson

Andy Griffiths, Monroe
Megan Harding, Pasco
Jamie Haynes, Volusia
Lori Hershey, Duval
Elizabeth Hewey, Santa Rosa
Amanda Hickman, Lafayette
Patty Hightower, Escambia
Jill Holcomb, Okeechobee
Donna Howerton, Highlands
MJ Jackson, Jackson
Melisa Jahner, Okeechobee
Mark Johnson, Hernando
Debbie Jordan, Lee
Thomas Kennedy, Citrus
Kim Kirby, Walton
Stacy Kirvin, Franklin
Katie Knight, Madison
Ruby Knox, Gulf
Laura Lawhon, Wakulla
Stephanie Lucarelli, Collier
Pam Marshall, Franklin
Cheryl McCall, Hamilton
Tiffany McInarnay, Baker
Kelly Mercer, DeSoto
Jeri Michie, Walton
Cathleen Morgan, Lee
Sally Moss, Sumter
Asena Mott, DeSoto
Candace Osteen, Bradford
Shirley Owens, Holmes
Patricia Pearce, Glades
Cindy Pearson, Duval
Holly Pickens, Putnam
Jean Prowant, Glades
Cara Reynolds, Charlotte
Christia Li Roberts, Martin
Nora Rupert, Broward
Jennifer Rusell, Martin
Beverly Slough, St. Johns
Saul Speights, Hamilton
Jerry Taylor, Suwannee
Nancy Thrower, Marion
Sue Woltanski, Monroe

Q: How can the CBM Program benefit board members?

A: The Program offers training events to assist board members in developing a high level of boardsmanship skills and knowledge in 3 curricular areas.

Q: When and where are prescribed CBM Forums offered?

A: To earn the CBM distinction, members must attend the Bargaining 101, School Finance, and Policy Governance Forums. These forums are typically offered biennially at a designated site. The most updated information is available on the FSBA Events & Registration page.  Attendance at the Finance 2.0 Forum does not satisfy the CBM requirement to attend the original Finance Forum; however, you are still eligible to earn points by attending.

Q: How are training events documented for points in the CBM Program?

A: School board members must complete a reflection form for each training attended and submit it to the FSBA Office for processing. For your convenience, these forms are available to be submitted electronically from your computer or mobile device. You may access the CBM reflection forms HERE.

Q: How many hours of training equate to one point in the CBM Program?

A: One (1) hour of training equals 1 point. Training events involving a fraction of an hour may be counted as 1 point if the fraction equals or exceeds ½ (e.g., 1½ hours = 2 points; 1¼ hours = 1 point).

Q: Are points earned in the CBM Program forfeited if the Program is not completed in a specified length of time?

A: NO, points in the CBM Program are always recognized, regardless of date, for any training completed while holding the elected office.

Q: How long does it take to complete the CBM Program?

A: The Program usually takes 2 years to finish, however some board members have completed the curriculum in 18 months.

Q: When does the CBM recognition year end?

A: The recognition year begins January 1 and concludes December 31 of each year.

Q: How is the CBM distinction retained after it has been awarded?

A: The renewal requirement must be satisfied each recognition year by earning 15 points in any of the 3 curricular areas and submitting those points no later than January 31 of the following year.

Q: How are board members advised about CBM points earned?

A: Board members are able to log into the membership database 5-7 days after submitting CBM form(s) to view points under the CEU tab of the eMbr member profile.

Q: Can points be earned for the CBM Program at events other than FSBA trainings and conferences?

A: YES! Training opportunities offered by school districts, educational or noneducational organizations, universities, the Florida Department of Education, etc., are appropriate for earning CBM points. Advanced approval for such training is NOT required. When submitting a CBM form for training that is not hosted by FSBA, you are required to submit an agenda, certificate of training or other documentation of training for the event to sanders@fsba.org

Q: How are board members recognized for completing the CBM Program?

A: CBM recipients receive a CBM plaque and pin along with a press release announcing their achievement.

Q: Does the FSBA Office provide a copy of the press release to the recipient of the CBM distinction?

A: YES! A crafted press release are provided to the CBM recipient so that it can be distributed to daily and weekly newspapers that are in circulation within the school district.

Q: Can the CBM distinction be used on business cards and in election campaigns?

A: YES! It is always a good idea to verify your CBM status with FSBA staff prior to touting this distinction on distributed materials.

Q: Are FSBA training events approved for only one curricular area?

A: The FSBA staff can designate one or more curricular areas for an FSBA-sponsored event, if appropriate. CBM points must be applied in the curricular area(s) in which they are advertised, but can be shifted as needed between assigned areas.

Q: How can the curricular area for a training event be determined?

A: Email or call the FSBA Office for assistance. An event agenda will be helpful in determining the curricular area(s).

Q: Can Master Board training, FSBA Committee Meetings, or my local school board meetings/workshops be used for points in the CBM Program?

A: Unfortunately, no. Master Board is a separate program tailored specifically for governance teams and has a different set of requirements. In addition, FSBA Committee work is important, but voluntary and not counted as CBM points.  Lastly, while workshops and school board meetings may be informative and demonstrate leadership skills, they are also excluded from point accrual in the CBM Program.

Q: Does it cost to participate in the CBM Program?

A: The only expenses associated with the Program are registration fees for trainings or conferences AND related travel expenditures.

Certified Board Member (CBM) Forums

SCHOOL FINANCE 

Date: February 6 – 7, 2025

Location: Gainesville, FL

Participants will learn about full-time equivalent (FTE) weights, and the importance of accurate full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment projections, as well as how to calculate weighted FTE values.

The content of this forum is designed to give board members a better understanding of topics such as:

  • the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP)
  • elements comprising the FEFP formula
  • the base student allocation (BSA)
  • the district cost differentials (DCDs)
  • required local effort (RLE)
  • categorical programs, and lottery funding
  • capital outlay funds, and
  • truth in millage (TRIM)

Questions? Contact FSBA Member Services Associate Carolyn Sanders (Sanders@fsba.org or 850.414.2578)

Past Events

Agendas, meeting minutes, conference materials, and other information about past meetings, training, and events are available on FSBA’s public-access BoardDocs site.

POLICY GOVERNANCE

Date: July 17, 2024, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Lunch is provided.)

Location: Tallahassee, FL, Florida School Boards Insurance Trust (FSBIT)

Presenters: April Griffin and Tina Pinkoson, FSBA Leadership Services

Limit 20 people. Priority will be given to those board members who need these forums to become a Certified Board Member.

The school board is accountable to its citizens for the governance and management of the schools and for the results achieved. A well-written policy establishes the parameters within which the district operates. Policy represents ideas designed to bring action, the kind of action the policymaker wants. It tells the school community what the board wants and why.

Policy development is a continual process, and FSBA’s Policy Forum is designed to help you better understand this important governance role.  This forum aids in effective policy development by combining the expertise and experience policy development experts and the experience of our FSBA consultants.

The content of this forum is designed to:

  • Distinguish the reasons for establishing school district policies.
  • Determine the school board’s role in policymaking.
  • Identify the characteristics of school board policies.
  • Examine the elements for success in achieving policy power.
  • Discuss the difference between policy and regulations/procedures.
  • Learn the specifics of a step-by-step approach for policy adoption, including statutory parameters.
  • Understand the relationship between policy adoption and strategic planning in establishing priorities and budget initiatives which support the shared vision of the school district.
  • Discuss the key components to effective policy development, adoption  and maintenance, and the importance of keeping the district policy manual updated.
  • Explore methods of informing the public about school district policies.

BARGAINING 101

Date: July 18, 2024, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM EST (Breakfast provided.)

Location: Tallahassee, FL, Florida School Boards Insurance Trust (FSBIT)

Presenter: Kevin Watson, Florida Educational Negotiators

Limit 20 people. Priority will be given to those board members who need these forums to become a Certified Board Member.

This forum offers both new and veteran school board members a knowledge base of the role they play in employee bargaining in Florida. Interacting with employee unions and their members places the school board in the position of balancing policy and politics. Also, increased demands on public education require labor contracts to be creative and responsive to internal and external (i.e., public) perceptions of a school district’s priorities. When properly conducted, the bargaining process can be an effective means for accomplishing the school board’s philosophical and programmatic goals.

The following topics are covered:

  • introduction to bargaining – historical perspective and legal requirements
  • the bargaining process
  • mediation
  • impasse and legislative hearings
  • the political climate and impact of bargaining.

SCHOOL FINANCE 2.0

Date: TBD

School Finance 2.0 digs deeper into the financing of school programs.  Topics such as instructional unit placements, performance-based pay and a more in-depth look at local funding will be covered.

This Forum is NOT required training to earn the distinguished Certified Board Member distinction.

Questions? Please contact: Carolyn Sanders, sanders@fsba.org or Tina Pinkoson, pinkoson@fsba.org

Past Events

Agendas, meeting minutes, conference materials, and other information about past meetings, training, and events are available on FSBA’s public-access BoardDocs site

ADVANCED SCHOOL FINANCE FORUM

     Sponsored by         

SPACE IS LIMITED. REGISTER TODAY.

Date: April 18 – 19, 2024 (Thursday – Friday)

Time: Thursday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM  | Friday 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Location: Hilton, University of Florida Conference Center, Gainesville, FL

Want to learn more? Visit our tentative agenda here.

Register Here

Demystifying School Finance: An Advanced Forum for School Board Members

In this highly specialized session, we delve into the complexities of school finance, a critical and intricate aspect of a school board member’s responsibilities.

This forum is meticulously designed for members who are committed to deepening their comprehension of school budgeting and finance management.

Expert Panel:

We are privileged to feature a panel of esteemed experts. Their combined expertise will illuminate the intricacies of the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), providing insights into its current state and implications.

  • Gretchen Saunders, Chief Financial Officer, St. Johns County School District
  • Leanne Evans, CTP, Treasurer, Palm Beach County School District
  • Scott Ward, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Lake County School District

Key Focus Areas:

  • FEFP Updates and Implications
  • Formula and Staffing Allocations
  • Investment Strategies
  • Internal Auditing and Procurement Processes

*This Forum is NOT required training to earn the Certified Board Member distinction, but 10 points can be earned toward becoming a Certified Board Member.

Registration & Fees 

Register Here

Member Fee: $395.00 | Guest/Spouse Fee: $129.00 | Note: On-site registration will be available with a $30 late fee included.

Registration deadline: Friday, April 5, 2024 | Refund deadline: Tuesday, April 9, 2024

To receive a full refund for registration, a request must be submitted in writing to Carolyn Sanders (sanders@fsba.org) no later than 5:00 PM on April 9, 2024

Questions? Please contact: Carolyn Sanders, sanders@fsba.org or Tina Pinkoson, pinkoson@fsba.org

Hotel Information

Hilton UF Conference Center
1714 SW 34th Street, Gainesville, FL 32607 | 352.371.3600

FSBA Block Details:
Deadline to receive special rate: March 26, 2024, 5:00 PM
Room Rate: $159 plus taxes and fees

Book a room in our block
For questions about lodging and hotel room cancellation policy, please contact the Hilton UF Conference Center directly at 352.371.3600

Please Note:
FSBA has the sole right and discretion to accept or refuse registration to any Non-FSBA Member for any reason at any time. If your registration is refused after payment has been received, you will be issued a full refund.