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.

Healthcare Worker Bonus – Education & Early Intervention

Healthcare Worker Bonus – Education & Early Intervention

When the Healthcare Worker Bonus (HWB) program was unveiled in August, educational organizations were included in the list of eligible employers, but with little clarification as to which ones or who would be covered. At the end of August, a memo was distributed by...

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Healthcare Worker Bonus Clarification

Healthcare Worker Bonus Clarification

On Friday, August 19, 2022, NYS did a townhall regarding the Healthcare Worker Bonus (HWB).  A recording of the webinar can be found here and a copy of the presentation from the NYS DOH can be found here.  There were several technical issues with the webinar which...

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Grant Opportunity from the Department of Education

Grant Opportunity from the Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education has released information regarding a grant to assist local education agencies (LEAs) who have been impacted by community violence. The grant, Project Prevent Grant Program, will award more than $6 million to LEAs to provide resources...

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Q&A on Healthcare Worker Bonus Program

Q&A on Healthcare Worker Bonus Program

*Information as of August 17, 2022* Ken Cerini, Managing Partner and Edward McWilliams, Tax Partner of Cerini & Associates, LLP gave a background of the Healthcare Worker Bonus and answered participant questions. General Program Background:- Healthcare Worker...

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