CSBM Events

Location: New Orleans, LA

Raj Thakkar will lead two sessions focused on the financial realities charter schools and networks are facing today, offering guidance for leaders making complex decisions.  

Full session information:   

Session 1: 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Financial Considerations When Merging Schools and Networks

If you recognize the writing on the wall early enough and see that closure is inevitable, a merger may be a last-ditch option to do the right thing by students and families. There have been independently operated charter schools absorbed into networks around the country, but now networks are starting to merge with each other as well. “Anything goes” in this post-pandemic age where rapidly scaling is matched by rapidly retracting or anything in between. Attendees will learn the many financial questions to be answered when merging schools and networks, which may be better received by all stakeholders affected, if executed responsibly.  

Session 2: 2:15-3:15 p.m.

The Fiscal Responsibility Method: A High-Level Overview & the Benefits of Speaking the Same Language

Finance is often viewed as broken when it is actually “work perpetually in progress” due to the growth rate of your school/network and capacity of your finance team. A consistent way of communicating the state of your finances may lead to more favorable views, where stakeholders know what’s working, what’s being worked on, and what’s on the back burner temporarily until it can be prioritized higher. Attendees will learn a high-level overview of the Method, delve into 10 of the 50 proven practices and discuss the benefits (and potential drawbacks) of using a common language statewide and nationwide. 

Starts on 12/11/2025

For more information, please visit: https://www.lacharterschools.org/annualconference

Location: Houston, Texas

We were grateful to take part in the 2025 NACSA Conference, joining so many inspiring leaders who are shaping the future of charter authorizing nationwide. Raj Thakkar’s session with David Greenberg on fiscal monitoring sparked thoughtful discussion around accountability, transparency, and how authorizers can best support schools in building sustainable operations.

The event was a powerful reminder of the collective impact that collaboration, innovation, and shared learning can have on strengthening the charter sector. Thank you to NACSA and all who made this year’s conference such a meaningful and motivating experience.

Location: Orlando, Florida

Reflecting on the Florida Charter School Conference + School Choice Summit
By Steve Reid, Chief Growth Officer, and Karen Daniels, President & COO – Charter School Business Management

The Florida Charter School Conference + School Choice Summit once again brought together education leaders, policymakers, and innovators dedicated to expanding access and excellence in Florida’s schools.

As attendees, we were inspired by the depth of dialogue, practical insights, and shared commitment to ensuring that every student benefits from a strong, sustainable learning environment. From governance and finance sessions to discussions on growth and accountability, the conference reinforced the importance of financial clarity and operational excellence in supporting educational outcomes.

At Charter School Business Management (CSBM), our mission is to empower schools with the knowledge, systems, and strategies needed to thrive. We’re grateful to have connected with so many passionate educators and leaders at this year’s summit—and we look forward to collaborating to build even stronger, more resilient school communities across Florida.

Location: Houston, Texas

Join us at NACSACON 2025! Raj Thakkar, alongside David Greenberg, will present “Fiscal Monitoring: Where is the Line in Oversight?” on October 22 at 3:15 PM CT.

Starts on 10/20/2025, ends on 10/23/2025

Location: Houston, Texas

Raj Thakkar and Collin Raymond had a great time in Houston at the Texas Charter Schools Conference! There was a wealth of information about enrollment challenges, ESA’s, and financial best practices being shared from schools, legislators, and other service providers. Thank you to everyone who attended our four sessions and engaged in deep conversation about succession planning, accountability, school closure, and managing the unexpected.

Location: Orlando, Florida

We look forward to attending the Florida Charter School Conference + School Choice Summit from October 14-16!  

Karen Daniels and Steve Reid are looking forward to meeting with other leaders, educators, and innovators to discuss what’s ahead for charter schools.   

#FCSC2025  

Starts on 10/14/2025, ends on 10/16/2025

Location: El Conquistador Resort Fajardo, PR

Exciting news! Karen Daniels and Steve Reid will present at the Northeast Regional Boys & Girls Club Conference alongside George Krupanski. Together, they will share insights on how nonprofits can approach mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, and integrations that will best serve their missions. 

Our Sessions: 

• From Strategic Alliances to Full Integration: Navigating the M&A Spectrum on Thursday, October 9th at 9:45 to 11:00 AM. Presented by Karen Daniels, Steve Reid & George Krupanski  

Starts on 10/07/2025, ends on 10/10/2025

Location: Orlando, Florida

We’re presenting at NCSC25 today, 6/30 @ 11:30am EST.  Don’t miss: What to Expect When You’re Expecting… Your Back Office To Manage Your Finances – in Salon A!

We’re presenting TWO sessions Wednesday morning.  It’ll be hard to choose:

• Should You Clone or Postpone: Needs Assessments for Adding Seats  OR
• The True Power of Budgeting, Financial Reporting, and Forecasting

We’re presenting at 8:30am EST on Wednesday, July 3rd:

• The True Power of Budgeting, Financial Reporting, and Forecasting, in Salon N
• Should You Clone or Postpone: Needs Assessments for Adding Seats, in Salon A

Starts on 06/29/2025, ends on 07/02/2025

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

We’re excited to announce that our President & Chief Operating Officer, Karen Daniels, will be presenting at the National Charter Collaborative’s Charter Leaders of Color Confluence event “Rooted in Community: Rising in Power” on June 10^th, in Atlanta, GA!  Karen will be presenting: “The True Power of Budgeting: Forecasting & the Fiscal Responsibility Method” – a brief description is below.

Now more than ever, especially in a post-ESSER and post-pandemic world, budgeting, financial reporting, and forecasting are of the utmost importance. While many schools/networks are well-intended, knowledge regarding the CUREs/Remedies for common causes/symptoms in CSBM’s Fiscal Responsibility Method pertaining to these key financial functions can help tremendously. This webinar will provide an overview of the Fiscal Responsibility Method and share how successful governing boards can work with their management and finance teams to learn and implement proven budgeting and forecasting practices.

#RootedRising2025

Starts on 06/10/2025

Location: NYC Charter School Center

Attention NYC Charters!  CSBM will be presenting an in-person half-day seminar i in partnership with the New York City Charter School Center and ExtensisHR on Tuesday, March 18^th from 9:30-12:30pm EST.  This will be hosted at the NYC Charter School Center and is reserved for Executive Directors, Chief Financial Officers, and Finance Leads.  You can register here: https://nyccharterschools.tfaforms.net/272

The seminar will provide insights, strategies and tools for ensuring long-term financial stability.  Topics to be covered include:

• Developing realistic budgets
• Making data-driven decisions
• Managing personnel and benefits costs
• Effective financial risk management techniques
• Successful case studies from fellow charter schools (including a Q&A panel with Brilla and Prospect Charter Schools)

Starts on 03/18/2025