Originally developed in partnership with the Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team, California County Superintendents Education Services Association, Association of California School Administrators, California School Boards Association, California’s Coalition for Adequate School Housing and School Services of California, Inc., our program is a multi-week learning opportunity designed to ensure the success of future CBOs.

The program’s approach to training combines the experience and expertise of our seven organizations, each with a long history of successfully providing training to school business staff. Experienced and practicing CBOs, as well as other education professionals, have worked to develop and deliver the curriculum, with training hosted by a volunteering county office of education.

Comprehensive Curriculum

Our program curriculum includes everything a potential CBO needs to know in finance and budget, student transportation, food services, leadership roles, risk management, maintenance & operations, and more. Participants receive instruction in both written and oral communications; and the content is presented in an in-person lecture format, relying upon class discussion, small group projects, and out-of-class assignments/practical application.

Delivery Model and Cost

CBO Track: The program is approximately 440 hours long, including outside homework and projects. Completion of the program can be used to satisfy the requirements for a CASBO Certification. Full program tuition is $5,400 for Organizational Subscriber Employee Members; and $6,400 for non-members.

DFS Track: The program is approximately 220 hours long, including outside homework and projects. Completion of the program can be used to satisfy the requirements for a CASBO Certification. Full program tuition is $3,000 for Organizational Subscriber Employee Members; and $3,500 for non-members.

Business Executive Leadership Program FAQs

Do you have any upcoming programs scheduled?

We have a new session beginning January 2022. Registration opens in October. Watch your inbox and this website for news!

How often do new sessions begin?

Because classes are offered by volunteer host COEs, a new session can begin whenever a COE determines there is sufficient interest in its county or region. It is not necessary for all COEs to host a session at the same time.

How often do classes meet?

Each host COE establishes a class meeting schedule that best meets the needs of its group. Classes are held once per month and range from four to eight hours, depending on the individual COE’s schedule.

Will I have a mentor?

Rather than assign you an individual mentor, we will provide you with a variety of experts and school business professionals from whom you may seek guidance and with whom you may discuss homework assignments throughout the duration of your session.

How do I register?

There are no sessions open for registration at this time. 

During the registration process you will select which track you’d like to join (Chief Business Official or Director of Fiscal Services). The track you join will result in qualifying for the corresponding certification upon completion of all program requirements

How and when do I pay for the program?

Program tuition must be paid within 30 days of the date of registration, or prior to the start of the event, whichever occurs first.

We offer the following payment options:

  • Credit Card
  • eCheck
  • Proforma Invoice (pay later)*

*Until we receive full payment, the individual(s) will not be registered.

Please note: Program tuition does not cover your transportation or lodging expenses, nor does it cover the cost of the certification application after program completion.

After completing the program, will I automatically earn a CASBO certification?

Completion of the BEL program satisfies the training requirements for the Director of Fiscal Services (DFS) and DFSE or the Chief Business Official (CBO) and CBOE certifications (dependent on the track you enroll in). However, you will not receive a certification automatically – you must apply for certification within one year of completing a program. For more information on applying for this and other CASBO certifications, please visit our Certification page.