--- title: Heartland School Solutions | Connections | Emily Schoeneck --- [![Heartland-AGPC-logo-main](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png?width=168&height=31&name=Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png)](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en) ![Heartland](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/aglobalpaymentscompany_identifier_grey.png) - [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/) - [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/) - Products - [Nutrition Technology](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology) - [Payment Solutions](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions) - Support - [Support Central](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central) - [Technical Consulting](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/consulting) - Events - [Training Events](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/training-events) - [Shows and Conferences](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/shows-and-conferences) - [Connect 2026](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect) - About - [Our Story](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/our-story) - [Partnerships](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/integrations) - [Careers](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/careers) - Resources - [Webinars](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition) - [Guides & Templates](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/resources/guides-templates) - [Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com) # ![Connections Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/LP_Templates/Connections-Blog/Connections-Blog-Logo-2024.svg) Fresh insights for school leaders ## Emily Schoeneck ### Recent Posts ## [Top 5 back to school fees districts collect](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/5-common-start-of-school-fees-to-plan-for-now) By [Emily Schoeneck](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-schoeneck) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/back%20to%20school%20fees%20blog%20header.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/5-common-start-of-school-fees-to-plan-for-now) As every new school year begins, so do all the back-to-school to do lists! Districts nationwide are preparing plans for their school programs and fee collections that come along with them. From class fees to parking passes and exam fees, schools are managing countless student programs that require payments. Many schools still rely on physical cash and check payments, even though parents may prefer to pay electronically. By leveraging an online School Commerce Platform, like [MySchoolBucks](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions), schools can simplify how they collect and manage fees district-wide. Here are the top 5 fees we see schools managing each year and how to collect them more efficiently: [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/5-common-start-of-school-fees-to-plan-for-now) ## [\[New Designs\] Free School Menu Templates For The 2026-27 School Year!](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/free-school-menu-templates) By [Emily Schoeneck](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-schoeneck) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Content_Offers/school%20menu%20template%20preview.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/free-school-menu-templates) Our school menu templates are now available for the 2026-27 school year. This year, we have a brand new set of designs, as well as an ADA-friendly format option. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/free-school-menu-templates) ## [Take a Look Back at Connect 2026](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect-2026) By [Emily Schoeneck](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-schoeneck) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Connect%20Recap%2026%20header-1.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect-2026) This year, the Heartland School Solutions team headed to Dallas, TX to host attendees for Connect 2026. Take a look at some of the highlights: [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect-2026) ## [Save the Date! It's Time for Connect 2026](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/save-the-date-connect-conference) By [Emily Schoeneck](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-schoeneck) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Connect26%20-%20Save%20the%20Date%20-%20Blog%20Header.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/save-the-date-connect-conference) Join us for our annual user conference, Connect 2026! This year we’re headed to Dallas, TX from March 18-19, 2026. Get ready to learn from our product experts how you and your team can get the most from our products.  [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/save-the-date-connect-conference) ## [10 Signs your K-12 District Needs to Modernize School Payments](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/10-signs-your-k-12-district-needs-to-modernize-school-payments) By [Emily Schoeneck](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-schoeneck) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/10%20things%20blog%20header.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/10-signs-your-k-12-district-needs-to-modernize-school-payments) K–12 finance departments are facing numerous challenges with staff shortages, tighter audit scrutiny, and rising parent expectations. To simplify day-to-day tasks, many schools are choosing to modernize payments using a [School Commerce Platform](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/what-is-a-school-commerce-platform-and-5-reasons-your-district-needs-one) that enables unified online and in-person payment acceptance. A system like this also helps districts  centralize financial reporting, support SIS and ERP integrations, automate reconciliation, and enforce strong controls and compliance. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/10-signs-your-k-12-district-needs-to-modernize-school-payments) ## [The True Cost of Manual Billing: 6 Insights Into Why Your K-12 School Should Automate Student Fee Collection](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/the-true-cost-of-manual-billing-6-insights-into-why-your-k-12-school-should-automate-student-fee-collection) By [Emily Schoeneck](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-schoeneck) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Manual%20billing%20blog%20header.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/the-true-cost-of-manual-billing-6-insights-into-why-your-k-12-school-should-automate-student-fee-collection) For K-12 school business and finance administrators, managing fee collection efficiently is a crucial part of maintaining a district’s financial stability. However, many schools continue to rely on manual billing processes that, while familiar, hide significant added costs, increase the risk of errors, and slow down cash flow. Understanding these hidden costs and how to evaluate them is an essential step for districts to recognize the benefits of automating the fee collection process. This, in turn, will pave the way to modernize operations, improve service, and maximize resources. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/the-true-cost-of-manual-billing-6-insights-into-why-your-k-12-school-should-automate-student-fee-collection) ## [Managing the Unknown: How to Navigate K-12 Funding Challenges in Before & After-School Programs](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/k-12-funding-challenges-in-before-after-school-programs) By [Emily Schoeneck](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-schoeneck) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/B%26A%20care%20funding%20uncertainty%20blog%20header.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/k-12-funding-challenges-in-before-after-school-programs) ## What is the Current State of K-12 School Funding? Funding for before & after-school programs in public schools in the United States presents unique challenges due to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of K-12 school funding. These schools rely on a combination of local, state, and federal resources for funding. While [nearly 87% of their budget comes from state and local dollars,](https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/trumps-push-to-slash-federal-k-12-school-funds-explained/2025/04) federal contributions still represent a significant portion essential for schools to operate and thrive each year. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/k-12-funding-challenges-in-before-after-school-programs) ## [\[Webinar Series Recap\] Hear from experts on
top payment needs in 2025 & beyond](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/take-a-look-at-our-latest-webinar-series-and-access-recordings) By [Emily Schoeneck](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-schoeneck) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/webinar%20recap%20header.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/take-a-look-at-our-latest-webinar-series-and-access-recordings) Over the last couple of months our team hosted three webinar sessions discussing the top payment needs in 2025 & beyond. If you weren't able to attend the webinar's live be sure to take a look below to get access to recordings.  [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/take-a-look-at-our-latest-webinar-series-and-access-recordings) ## [Here's what you might have missed at Connect 2025](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/heres-what-you-might-have-missed-at-connect-2025) By [Emily Schoeneck](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-schoeneck) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Connect%20Recap%2025%20header.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/heres-what-you-might-have-missed-at-connect-2025) Over 140 attendees from across the country traveled to Phoenix, AZ to attend Connect 2025. It was a time filled with education and connection - let's take a look at some of the highlights of the week!  [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/heres-what-you-might-have-missed-at-connect-2025) ## [Victoria ISD scores big: Leveraging MySchoolBucks for seamless game-day ticket sales](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/victoria-isd-scores-big-leveraging-myschoolbucks-for-seamless-game-day-ticket-sales) By [Emily Schoeneck](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-schoeneck) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Victoria%20ISD%20blog%20header-1.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/victoria-isd-scores-big-leveraging-myschoolbucks-for-seamless-game-day-ticket-sales) Victoria ISD in Victoria, TX, home to 13,000 students, is a recent customer of MySchoolBucks using MSB Tickets to assist with managing their big games and events. When we heard they had a big game coming up, a group of MySchoolBucks team members journeyed to Texas to support the district during the event. The school sold 2,723 for the big game, and over a thousand of those tickets were sold in-person with MSB Tickets on game day.  [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/victoria-isd-scores-big-leveraging-myschoolbucks-for-seamless-game-day-ticket-sales) [**Next >**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-schoeneck/page/2) ### Subscribe to our monthly newsletter [![free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology.png?width=375&height=416&name=free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology.png)](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition)   ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [School Lunch (42)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-lunch) - [School Payments (33)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-payments) - [MySchoolBucks (31)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/myschoolbucks) - [Point of Sale software (21)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/point-of-sale-software) - [Conferences (19)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/conferences) - [School Nutrition Regulation (16)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-nutrition-regulation) - [School Breakfast (14)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-breakfast) - [Training (13)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/training) - [Menu Planning (11)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/menu-planning) - [Connect (10)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/connect) - [Social Media (10)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/social-media) - [Contests & Grants (9)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/contests-grants) - [How to (9)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/how-to) - [Parent Newsletters (9)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/parent-newsletters) - [Recipes (8)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/recipes) - [Hardware (7)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/hardware) - [School Fundraising (7)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-fundraising) - [Afterschool Programs (6)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/afterschool-programs) - [MCS software (6)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/mcs-software) - [Mosaic Cloud (6)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/mosaic-cloud) - [Cloud-Based Solutions (5)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/cloud-based-solutions) - [invoicing (5)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/invoicing) - [nutrition program (5)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/nutrition-program) - [Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) (4)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/community-eligibility-provision-cep) - [Farm to School (4)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/farm-to-school) - [MealViewer (4)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/mealviewer) - [School Store (4)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-store) - [free downloads (4)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/free-downloads) - [Data Security (3)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/data-security) - [Digital Signage (3)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/digital-signage) - [Donations (3)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/donations) - [Free & Reduced (3)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/free-reduced) - [Lunch Debt (3)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/lunch-debt) - [School Accounting (3)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-accounting) - [back to school (3)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/back-to-school) - [school commerce platform (3)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-commerce-platform) - [Cashless Campus (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/cashless-campus) - [Customer Testimonial (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/customer-testimonial) - [Direct Certification (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/direct-certification) - [Happy holidays (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/happy-holidays) - [MSB Activities (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/msb-activities) - [MSB Tickets (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/msb-tickets) - [Meal Ordering (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/meal-ordering) - [National School Lunch Week (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/national-school-lunch-week) - [Nutrikids (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/nutrikids) - [Webinars (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/webinars) - [ANC (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/anc) - [Activities (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/activities) - [Black History Month (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/black-history-month) - [Communications (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/communications) - [Contactless Payments (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/contactless-payments) - [Meal Debt (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/meal-debt) - [Partnerships (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/partnerships) - [Pickle Juice (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/pickle-juice) - [Procurement (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/procurement) - [School events (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-events) - [Serving in the Classroom (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/serving-in-the-classroom) - [Women's History Month (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/womens-history-month) - [school commerce (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-commerce) - [school fees (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-fees) See All » [![Heartland](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/logo.png)](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com) ### Nutrition Technology - [Point of Sale](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/point-of-sale) - [Free and Reduced](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/free-and-reduced) - [Online Applications](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/online-applications) - [Menu Planning](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/menu-planning) - [Meal Orders](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/meal-orders) - [Ordering Inventory](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/ordering-inventory) - [Digital Menus](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/mealviewer) ### Payment Solutions - [School Store](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/school-store) - [Student Invoicing](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/student-invoicing) - [School Program Management](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/msb-activities) - [Tickets & Event Management](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/ticketing) - [School Funds Accounting](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/school-funds-accounting) - [In-Person Payments](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/msb-anywhere) - [Meal Payments](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/meals) ### Events - [Training Events](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/training-events) - [Shows and Conferences](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/shows-and-conferences) - [Connect 2026](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect) ### Support - [Support Central](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central) - [Technical Consulting](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/consulting) ### About - [Our Story](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/our-story) - [Partnerships](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/integrations) - [Careers](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/careers) ### Resources - [Webinars](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition) - [Guides & Templates](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/resources/guides-templates) - [Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/) ### Contact Sales 800.423.2113 ### Contact - [Contact Sales](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/contact-us) - [Contact Support](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central#help) ### [Social](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/school-solutions) - [![Facebook](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/facebook.png) ![Facebook](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/facebook_active.png)](https://www.facebook.com/heartlandschoolsolutions) - [![Youtube](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/youtube.png) ![Youtube](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/youtube_active.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/HPYSchoolSolutions) ### Location 765 Jefferson Road, #400 Rochester, NY 14623 © 2025 Heartland Payment Systems, a Global Payments company (NYSE: GPN). All rights reserved.  Heartland Payment Systems, LLC is a registered ISO of PNC Bank, N.A., Pittsburgh PA, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, New York, NY. - [Terms of Use](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/terms-of-use) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/privacy-policy) Cookie Settings