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.

Guest Article: Retiree Health Insurance Options

Guest Article: Retiree Health Insurance Options

In the fall of 2019, we discussed how to carve out your retiree population and the strategy behind it. Baby Boomers are aging into retirement at a rate of more than 10,000 per day! That’s a lot of retirees. As people are living longer, a school district’s retiree...

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Guest Article: Weekly COVID-19 Testing – Using a Lab

Guest Article: Weekly COVID-19 Testing – Using a Lab

The federal vaccination mandate states that companies with more than 100 employees are required to impose a vaccine mandate, meaning all workers have to demonstrate that they are vaccinated. Employers with less than 100 employees can chose whether or not to mandate...

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COVID-19 Updated Guidelines-School Districts

COVID-19 Updated Guidelines-School Districts

The COVID-19 Pandemic has left more questions than answers. Recently, the New York State Department of Health released updated guidance regarding COVID-19 policies and procedures. New York State is responsible for adhering to federal guidelines set forth by the...

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Using Technology For Routing Forms

Using Technology For Routing Forms

If the pandemic taught us one thing, it is how to use technology to accomplish typical school-related tasks especially within the human resources department. New hires, changes in employment, and separations require communication with many departments in a district...

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Guest Article: Swimming Safety Education

Guest Article: Swimming Safety Education

It’s hard to imagine swimming when temperatures are not yet enticing enough to put on a bathing suit. But, summer will be here soon, and with water to our north and south on Long Island, this is the perfect time to provide education on water safety. Swim Strong...

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Unemployment Fraud Wreaking Havoc in Schools

Unemployment Fraud Wreaking Havoc in Schools

The pandemic left thousands of people unemployed across the United States. The federal government responded by implementing a new unemployment insurance program under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Shortly after stimulus money began to...

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