Goldenrod Outstanding School Business Officials Award

The Kentucky Association of School Business Officials recognizes outstanding KASBO members who exemplify professionalism, leadership, and innovation in the field of school business management. This recognition, the Goldenrod Outstanding School Business Official Award, is given annually to an individual who best represents exemplary practices and standards of school business in a Kentucky public school district. KASBO’s state award winner is also recognized by the Southeastern Association of School Business Officials (SASBO) at its Annual Conference.

Any active member of KASBO or the nominee’s Superintendent may submit a nomination for the OSBO Award. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Currently working in a Kentucky public school district with at least five years of experience in school finance
• Active membership in KASBO for at least five years
• Proven leadership in budgeting, resource allocation or financial transparency
• Contributions to the improvement of school financial operation

Nomination Submissions

• KASBO Nomination Form must be completed and submitted by the deadline using the google form link below
• Must include a statement explaining the nominee’s achievements
• May include letters of support from colleagues and/or relevant documentation of other awards or impact summaries

The KASBO Executive Director will serve as committee chairperson and will establish a committee that will review nominees objectively including the Vice President of the Board of Directors, current KASBO members representing finance professionals from school districts around the state, Strategic Partners, and past OSBO award recipients, if available. The committee reserves the right to request additional information on any nominee and to not name a recipient if an insufficient number of nominations are received. 

Recipient Recognition

• Award given during the KASBO Fall Conference (the nominator will be required to ensure their nominee, if chosen, will be present at the Fall Conference)
• Opportunity for a KASBO Board Representative and/or Executive Director to recognize recipient at his/her local school board meeting, at a convenient date and time
• Award recognition at SASBO Annual Conference with travel expenses reimbursed by KASBO, including flight and/or mileage, hotel room and tax, and meal reimbursement for meals not provided during the conference as set by the annual KASBO per diem rates
• Pending availability of funds, a $1,000 scholarship will be made available for recipient to award a deserving student in his/her school district.  Student selection will be at the discretion of award recipient

The nomination form will require the following information

Nomination Statement

• Please provide a detailed explanation of why the nominee deserves this award.  Include specific examples of achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions to school financial operations

Supporting Materials

• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Awards, recognitions or relevant certifications
• Documentation of financial initiatives or programs

Selection Criteria

• Professional Excellence (30 points)
  • Demonstrates outstanding financial management and budgeting expertise
  • Implements innovative solutions to improve financial operations
  • Maintains accuracy, transparency and accountability in financial processes
  • Leadership and Impact (25 points)
    • Exhibits strong leadership in school financial administration
    • Collaborates effectively with educators, administrators and stakeholders
    • Leaders or contributes to initiative that positively impacts school finance
    • Commitment to Education (20 points)
      • Shows dedication to enhancing student outcomes through financial decisions
      • Advocates for resource allocation that supports teaching and learning
      • Demonstrates a deep understanding of the role finance plays in education
      • Ethical Standards and Integrity (15 points)
        • Upholds ethical financial practices and legal compliance
        • Promotes financial transparency and accountability
        • Models integrity in professional interactions and decision making
        • Community and Stakeholder Engagement (10 points)
          • Builds relationships with community members and school stakeholders
          • Effectively communicates financial matters to non-financial audiences
          • Engages in outreach, professional development or mentorship

Total 100

Evaluation Process

• Each criterion will be rated based on the weighting in the selection criteria
• The selection committee will review nomination statements and supporting documents

The nominee with the highest total score will be awarded as recipient 

The nominator of the winning nominee will be notified by the Executive Director.  Winner disclosure will occur at the Fall Conference.

OSBO Nomination Form