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Cayuse Prairie School business manager earns prestigious designation

HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 5 months AGO
by HILARY MATHESON
EDUCATION REPORTER Hilary Matheson covers education for the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on schools, students, and the policies that shape public education across Northwest Montana. Matheson regularly reports on school boards, district decisions and issues affecting teachers and families. Her work examines how funding, enrollment and state policy influence local school systems. She helps readers understand how education decisions affect students and communities throughout the region. IMPACT: Hilary’s work provides transparency and insight into the schools that serve thousands of local families. | February 25, 2025 11:00 PM

Cayuse Prairie School Business Manager and Clerk Heather Mumby has earned the Association of School Business Officials International’s Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations designation.  

School business professionals who earn the certification have proven they have the knowledge, expertise and fiscal credibility to lead their school district and effectively manage its finances, according to the association.  

Mumby said expanding her knowledge through continued professional development has always been a priority. 

“I believe that having the state and national certification lends more credibility and shows good stewardship when it comes to managing school finances,” Mumby said. “In the 18 years I have been at Cayuse Prairie, the staff, administration and board have always done their best to provide quality programs to students while working within our budget. 

“With all of the challenges currently facing public schools, this certification will help me continue to work with the board, staff and community to align Cayuse Prairie’s programs and finances.”  

To earn the designation, Mumby demonstrated eligibility through work experience and education; passed a standardized exam on accounting and school business management topics, among other requirements including adhering to the association’s code of conduct. 

Mumby also plans to share her expertise with colleagues. 

“School business managers are a tight knit group and depend heavily on each other,” she said. “We rely on sharing information across districts, counties and the state. However, it is also important to look at issues on a larger scale too. My goals as a nationally certified SFO are not only to use my experience and training to benefit Cayuse Prairie School but help educate others about school finance and continue to work with and mentor other school business officials.”  

As part of the certification, Mumby will undergo recertification every three years.   

For more information about SFO certification, visit asbointl.org/SFO. 


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