Education

Tips to Prevent Wire and ACH Frauds

ACH payment fraud is becoming more common, and it is believed that the fraudsters target certain types of individuals. Unfortunately, school districts are one of those targets. Financial institutions play a crucial role in safeguarding bank accounts from fraud;...

Utility Bill Auditing

For many school districts, especially larger districts, reviewing the utility invoices can be a cumbersome process as schools have multiple accounts. We have noted that recently late fees have been added and are cropping up across the Island. Many districts have asked...

Guest Article: Securing Tomorrow’s Future: The Importance of Intelligence Powered Cybersecurity in K-12 Schools

In today's digital age, where technology is deeply ingrained in our daily lives, ensuring the cybersecurity of our educational institutions has become paramount. K-12 schools are increasingly becoming targets for cyberattacks, highlighting the urgent need for robust...

Artificial Intelligence Acceptable Use Policy

Schools are constantly looking for ways to utilize technology to improve the educational experience. Educators have quickly understood that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to help a variety of students as it can adapt to different learning styles. For...

GASB Statement 101 – Compensated Absences

Many school districts allow employees to carry over their accrued leave balance at the end of a fiscal year. Some districts have different policies for distinct types of leave. For example, policies may allow for the paying out of accrued vacation leave but not...

NYSLRS Enhanced Reporting – Gold Certification

Reminder: The New York State & Local Retirement System is requiring that all employers must switch to enhanced reporting by the end of 2023. There are many benefits of enhanced reporting.For employers: Maximize efficiency and improve service to employees...

Guest Article: Nonprofit Organization that Supports Schools: MusicBreeds: Rhythm Reach!

Using music as the driver, this local nonprofit organization empowers young people to build successful careers with a program centered on leadership, finance, entrepreneurship, and employment training. MusicBreeds services middle school and high school students through their music focused after-school program, summer camp, and online learning center.

Zero-emission School Bus Mandate – Update

In early August, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) released proposed eligibility guidelines for the Public School Bus Electrification Program being designed under the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs...

Artificial Intelligence – Use with Caution

s Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has been thrust into the public consciousness, many parents have become increasingly worried about its potentially negative effects on their children. In response to this, many school districts have been creating policies to ensure that teachers and students use AI responsibly. With input from key stakeholders such as administrators, teachers, students, IT departments, and the community an AI use policy should seek to enable teachers to supplement their students’ learning rather than supplant it. Any sensible AI policy should also seek to emphasis AI with humans in the loop.

Guest Article: Video-conferencing: Protecting against eavesdroppers using Zerify Defender

Hackers are getting more creative in finding areas where data can be exploited. Many video-conferencing platforms have provided an easy solution for doing business, but they can open private conversations to eavesdroppers and even with gated private rooms, they can be breached.

Evaluating Your Accounting Software Needs

Evaluating Your Accounting Software Needs

When was the last time your organization evaluated its accounting software… or maybe you are a start-up, keeping track of your organization’s finances on excel or even paper ledgers and now it is time to upgrade to a more sophisticated system. Many organizations tend...

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Amazon Purchases and Compliance with GML

Amazon Purchases and Compliance with GML

Documentation of the rationale for the selection of a vendor and their goods and services should be maintained and included as a part of the internal control procedures at any district. For auditors, documentation is paramount to show that goods and services were...

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Guest Article: Helping Schools Embrace Mindfulness

Guest Article: Helping Schools Embrace Mindfulness

Mission Be is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to bringing mindfulness-based social, emotional and life-skills to students, youth, families and educators in order to create a more sustainable and compassionate world. Mindfulness is the practice of paying...

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Guest Article: Mental Health Support For Students

Guest Article: Mental Health Support For Students

Schools on Long Island are required to provide health education that must include instruction on mental health. Per the State Education Department, the purpose is to ensure that the instruction enhances student understanding, attitudes and behaviors that promote...

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