The Rural District Health Check: What to Monitor Before Problems Become Crises

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Audience: Administration & School Board


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‍ ‍Rural school leaders often have less margin for error when facing enrollment shifts, budget pressures, and changing community needs. The most resilient districts are not simply reacting to challenges—they are proactively monitoring key indicators that provide early warning signs and opportunities for strategic action. This session will explore the critical financial, operational, and community metrics that district leaders should monitor to maintain organizational financial health and long-term sustainability. Participants will learn practical approaches for identifying trends, communicating findings to stakeholders, and making informed decisions before challenges become crises.

PRESENTER: Jordan Masnica - Baird

Jordan provides investment banking and advisory services to municipal entities, including school districts and technical colleges, throughout the State of Wisconsin. He uses his quantitative expertise to create unique, cost-efficient plans of finance tailored to meet the goals of his clients in the areas of capital planning, debt management and operational needs. Jordan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Minor in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota. He also earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Jordan is licensed through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) as a Registered Options Principal (Series 4), General Securities Representative (Series 7), General Securities Principal (Series 24), Municipal Advisor Representative (Series 50), Municipal Securities Principal (Series 53), and holds the Uniform Combined License (Series 66).

PRESENTER: Marquez Guzman - Baird

Marquez joined Baird’s School Business Solutions team in July 2024, bringing over 10 years of school business office experience. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of Business Services at Salem School District. He also brings experience from previous roles at Greendale School District, Seton Catholic Schools, and Milwaukee Public Schools. His primary responsibilities included budget forecasting, benefit development, community outreach, data analysis, financial reporting, planning for and communicating district projects and programming initiatives, referendum planning, and school data analysis. He is a National Alliance Certified School Risk Manager (CSRM) and has his School Business Administrator license through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Marquez earned his Master of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater School of Business Management and Bachelor of Science in Economics and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.