CBO Coaching and Induction Program

The FCMAT CBO Coaching and Induction Program (CIP) was created to help meet the growing need for well-trained, professional chief business officials (CBOs) and to provide them with more in-depth support. In short, the program is designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to fulfill all CBO job functions. They will learn to allocate essential resources and perform fiscal and business calculations, in addition to engaging in leadership activities aimed at promoting organizational equity and fostering student learning, achievement, and success.

The Coaching and Induction Program represents the next level of CBO preparation programs and targets individuals who are in their first through third year as a CBO. This intensive, yearlong program provides a high-level instructional experience during 11 two-day sessions that are tailored to CBOs of school districts and charter schools. The curriculum features both instructional and professional coaching components and offers continuous opportunities for support and interaction. CIP participants are immersed in a hands-on, activity-based curriculum that mirrors the annual fiscal calendar. They gain knowledge and receive tools that are immediately transferrable to the workplace. This includes FCMAT’s Fiscal Health Risk Analysis (FHRA) tool, which is used in alignment with the program’s monthly content.

Coaching and Induction Program participants are paired with experienced CBOs who are recognized experts in their field. Each CIP coach has completed professional coaching training and possesses specific practitioner knowledge that allows them to assist in active problem-solving while consistently building participants’ professional capacity. They support ethical decision making and model best practices while holding participants to a high level of professionalism, integrity, and organizational equity. Every coach meets with their participants both individually and in small groups, serving as a personal resource and professional guide. Participation in the program requires a financial commitment from the sponsoring local educational agency (LEA) to support the cost of providing a coach. In addition, FCMAT requests active participation by the LEA superintendents in support of their CBOs.

The Coaching and Induction Program curriculum is aligned with the day-to-day challenges encountered by CBOs during the annual business cycle. Monthly topics are presented by program facilitators and recognized professional experts and include budget development and planning, collective bargaining, position control, balance sheet and year-end closing and interim reports. The program’s focus is on fostering the practical skills necessary for a CBO to succeed in their new role.

Participants must be in their first, second or third year as a CBO. A typical class will not exceed 25 participants, who will represent LEAs of various sizes and configurations from all regions across the state. Preference is given to first-year CBOs from school districts and charter schools.