Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes
Posted on 06/17/2021
6/11/21 Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes with Mexico Public Schools

By:  Christine Harper-Communications Director


Many people often wonder what goes on behind the scenes at Mexico Public Schools.  There are so many moving parts in order for a district to run efficiently and effectively.  Some of those behind-the-scenes faces work at Central Office making sure the employees get paid, keeping accurate track of district finances, and so much more.  These are definitely hefty jobs.

There is one behind-the-scenes face that has quietly and humbly worked for two years to achieve her certification as a School Business Specialist.  Ondie Clark, Payroll Coordinator, has accomplished this feat.

The Missouri Association of School Business Officials (MoASBO) “supports the ongoing professional development of school business officials.  The MoASBO voluntary certification program is a mark of distinction program that reflects professional achievement and demonstrates a person’s dedication to his/her profession.”  This program provides access to information and training specific to Missouri law and regulations, a base of knowledge for all school business operations, and advancement of the professionalism of business office support staff in Missouri schools.

On June 4th, Ondie traveled to the Lake of the Ozarks to receive her SBS certificate.  In the two years it took her to complete the certification, Ondie gained a great deal of knowledge in many aspects of school business. I asked Ondie how this program/certification will help her in her position as Payroll Coordinator.  She said, “The payroll-concentrated training that I had and the connections that I made through the training will help me as I continue doing payroll for Mexico School District.  I learned about things that are not in my job duties but are related to payroll, such as labor unions, prevailing wage rules, COBRA insurance, and different hiring practices.  Much of what I learned during the training reinforced current practices, such as reporting to PSRS/PEERS (school retirement system), following Fair Labor Standards Act regulations, reporting hours for Affordable Care Act, and dealing with Unemployment Claims properly, just to name a few.  I now have more resources to turn to when I have questions and feel more confident in performing my payroll duties.”

Congratulations to Ondie Clark on achieving her SBS certification!

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