School Business Insider
School Business Insider is the official podcast of ASBO International. Each week, the show features conversations with school business professionals and industry experts from around the world. Guests share their stories and explore topics that matter most to school business officials. The podcast covers issues and insights relevant to school business management and education operations.
Episodes
Ignite Pittsburgh: Your Preview of AC&E 2026
ASBO International's Annual Conference & Expo is heading to Pittsburgh—and it's time to Ignite.In this special preview episode of School Business Insider, John Brucato is joined by Cristin Watson and Lorie Grooms from ASBO International and Aziz Aghayev to look ahead to the 2026 Annual Conference & Expo, taking place October 14–16 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.This year's them
The HVAC Opportunity School Business Officials Should Know About
What if replacing an aging school HVAC system could unlock a significant federal reimbursement?In this episode of School Business Insider, John Brucato sits down with Gabriela Rodriguez of UndauntedK12 to explore how school districts are using ground-source heat pumps and Elective Pay to modernize facilities while accessing federal energy tax credits.Gabriela breaks down how Elective Pay works, wh
How Rising Healthcare Costs Are Reshaping Education
Healthcare costs are consuming a growing share of school district budgets—and the consequences extend far beyond employee benefits.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Elleka Yost and Jim Rowan of ASBO International to discuss the findings of a new national report released jointly by ASBO International and AASA: Rising Premiums, Falling Opportunities: The Budg
What School Leaders Should Expect from Their Vendors
Every partnership a school district enters into is built on trust—but that trust extends far beyond the services a vendor provides.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato welcomes Ken Murphy, CEO of Lifetouch, to discuss the evolving responsibilities of organizations that work with schools and have access to student information.The conversation explores student data privacy,
The Impact You Leave Behind
What does a life of service look like?In this special episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with longtime colleague, mentor, and friend Mike Vespi as he prepares to retire after a distinguished career in school business.Recently recognized with ASBO New York's Philip B. Friedenberg Memorial Award for Outstanding Service, Mike reflects on the journey that brought him
What Nobody Knows About School Business Insider Host John Brucato
What happens when the interviewer becomes the interviewee?In this special episode of School Business Insider, longtime guest and AI thought leader and CEO of flowlyst, Aziz Aghayev turns the microphone around and interviews host John Brucato.John reflects on his unexpected journey from aspiring technology professional to school business leader, podcast host, and entrepreneur. He shares how he ente
Speaking the Same Language in School Construction
Successful school construction projects depend on more than design and funding — they depend on communication.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Matt McGregor and Nichole Schwietzer of Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction to discuss their School Business Now article, “Speaking the Same Language: Helping School Leaders Navigate Design and Construction
Self-Advocacy in School Business: Finding Your Voice
No school business official succeeds alone — and learning to advocate for yourself is part of the journey.In this episode of School Business Insider, recorded at the PNW BOCES Regional Institute, host John Brucato speaks with Robert Doyle, School Business Official at East Quogue UFSD, about self-advocacy, mentorship, and professional growth.Drawing from his personal reflection on his first three y
Why AI Fluency Is Becoming a Career Requirement
AI may not replace school business officials — but it may reshape who stands out.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Aziz Agayev to discuss why AI is becoming more than a productivity tool for school business leaders.They explore how AI fluency can increase marketability, improve day-to-day effectiveness, and help professionals remain competitive in a changin
Succession Planning Isn’t Optional Anymore
Succession planning isn’t just about filling roles — it’s about protecting your district.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Bob Bayles and Will Lukang to discuss how succession planning must evolve from a reactive task into a strategic leadership priority.They explore leadership risk, mentorship, and the importance of developing future leaders through intent
Behind the Scenes: Building the ASBO NY Summit
What does it take to bring one of New York’s premier school business conferences to life?In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Amanda Wing and Rebecca Sheehan from ASBO New York to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the Education Summit & Expo.They discuss the planning process, how sessions and speakers are selected, and what attendees can expect from this
Adequacy, Equity, and Effort: Breaking Down School Finance
Does money really matter in education? The data says yes — but how it’s distributed matters even more.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Dr. Bruce Baker, a leading expert in education finance, to break down the findings from his latest report, The Adequacy and Fairness of State School Finance Systems.They explore national trends in school funding, the pers
Designing Better Leaders: Insights from an Olympian
Great leadership doesn’t happen by accident — it’s designed.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with John Coyle, leadership expert, design thinking practitioner, and Olympic silver medalist, to explore how leaders can become more intentional in their work.Drawing from his experience in elite athletics and organizational leadership, John shares insights on storyt
Schools and Town Halls: Building Strong Municipal Relationships
Strong school districts depend on strong partnerships with their communities — and that includes local government.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato speaks with Adam Tarquini, Chief of Finance & Operations for West Springfield Public Schools in Massachusetts, about the importance of building productive relationships between school districts and their municipalities.T
The Fiscal Squeeze: Property Taxes and School Choice in Ohio
What happens when a district’s primary revenue source is under debate?In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato speaks with Dr. Erik Roush, Executive Director of Financial Affairs for Columbus City Schools, about the evolving fiscal and political landscape in Ohio.They discuss proposed property tax reforms — including a constitutional amendment effort to repeal property taxes —
Leading Forward: Why Serve on the ASBO International Board
Leadership in our profession doesn’t just happen locally — it also happens at the governance level.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato speaks with Scott Gooding and Tera Van Dyke, candidates for the ASBO International Board, about their professional journeys and why they’re stepping forward to serve.They discuss the role of the ASBO International Board, the importance of
Federal Priorities, Texas Realities
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Christopher Smith, CFO of Katy Independent School District and Chair of ASBO International’s Federal Advocacy Advisory Committee.They explore how federal advocacy priorities are developed, the key issues facing school districts nationally, and how those policies translate into real fiscal and operational challenges in Tex
The Hidden Budget Pressure: Skilled Trades and School Operations
Skilled trades are no longer just an operational concern — they’re a strategic budget issue.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Chuck Luchen, retired National Strategic Account Director at Staples Business, to discuss why skilled trades must be part of school districts’ financial planning for 2026–2027.Based on Chuck’s School Business Now article, the convers
Does Advocacy Work? Lessons from ASBO New York Advocacy Day
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Dr. Ron Clamser of Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES to reflect on ASBO New York’s Advocacy Day and examine what makes advocacy effective for school business officials.They discuss the advocacy process, legislator reactions to ASBO New York’s priority list, and the realities behind issues like Foundation Aid, UPK mandates,
Building Confidence with AI: Frameworks, Tools, and Real Use Cases
AI adoption in schools is no longer theoretical — it’s happening, unevenly and imperfectly, across the public sector.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Aziz Agayev and Jamal Amanoa of flowlyst to discuss what AI adoption really looks like in education and public-sector organizations today.They explore common challenges and concerns, practical use cases that
The New Reality of Student Data Privacy
Student privacy is no longer a background issue — it’s a front-line leadership challenge.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Amelia Vance, President of the Public Interest Privacy Center, to unpack the rapidly changing student privacy landscape.They explore the patchwork of federal and state privacy laws, recent enforcement actions, growing scrutiny of AI and
Powering Learning: Energy Projects as Living Laboratories
Energy projects in schools can do more than reduce costs — they can create powerful learning opportunities.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato talks with Dawn Johnson, Director of Customer Engagement at OPTERRA Energy Services, about how school districts can leverage energy initiatives to support sustainability, STE(A)M education, and community engagement.They explore how
The Strategic CFO: Moving Beyond Compliance
The role of the school CFO is changing — and compliance alone is no longer enough.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Ahnaf Tahmid, CFO of South Bend Community School Corporation, to explore how school finance leaders can move beyond compliance to become true strategic partners.Drawing from his School Business Now article, “The Strategic CFO: Moving Beyond Co
Operational Excellence in Practice: ASBO NY and ISBL’s New Pilot
What if school business operations were designed for sustainability — not constant reaction?In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Stephen Morales of the Institute for School Business Leadership and leaders from ASBO New York to discuss the launch of the Operational Excellence (OpEx) Pilot Program in New York State.They explore what OpEx is, how data from ASBO N
Wrapped! 2025
In this solo, year-in-review episode, host John Brucato reflects on the conversations, themes, and lessons that defined the podcast in 2025 — a year that also saw the release of its 100th episode.John shares highlights from across the year, explores the biggest themes shaping school business leadership, and offers a candid look at what he’s hearing from colleagues in the field. He also dives into
Different Paths, Shared Lessons: Early Leadership as a School Business Official
Every school business official remembers their first few years — the learning curve, the pressure, and the moments that shape who they become as leaders.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by John Fink of Cornwall Central School District and Chris Carballo of Highland Falls–Fort Montgomery CSD — two relatively new SBOs who came to the role from very different pr
The State of School Employee Healthcare: Costs, Culture & the Road Ahead
Healthcare costs continue to rise, and employee expectations are evolving just as quickly.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Eric Gilbert and Adam Hensen from Daybright Financial to break down the state of school employee healthcare in 2025.They discuss the trends driving costs, how employee expectations have changed, and what school business officials can
Campus Safety Redefined: District Priorities and Emerging Tech
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with John Vetter, Regional Sales Director at Centegix, to explore how school districts are prioritizing safety, how budgets reflect those decisions, and how wearable technology is shifting the conversation from reaction to readiness. They discuss district perspectives on safety funding, the impact of panic-button wearables, im
Lean On Me: Building Your Professional Network
The most valuable resource in school business isn’t a tool or a budget — it’s the people you can lean on.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Cindy Reilmann, CFO of the Special School District of St. Louis County, to discuss their School Business Now article, “Lean On Me: Building Your Professional Network.”Together, they explore the role of professional conne
Navigating Change: A Live Conversation from SBMW
In this special live-recorded episode from SBMW, host John Brucato and co-presenter Ron Clamser lead a candid, interactive session on navigating change in school business operations.Drawing on real stories from districts across New York State, they explore the challenges of staffing turnover, generational differences, technology transitions, AI integration, compliance pressures, and vendor changes
Inside the Governance Task Force: Transparency, Inclusion, and Leadership
Strong governance builds strong organizations — and ASBO International is leading the way.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato talks with members of the ASBO International Governance Task Force — Jim Rowan, Lynn Knight, Sharon Bruce, and Jordan Ely — about how the group is modernizing ASBO’s leadership structure to make it more transparent, inclusive, and effective.They di
Secure 2.0 in Action: Preparing for What’s Now Mandatory
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato reconnects with Michael Linehan (Equitable), Sarah Breiner (U.S. OMNI & TSACG), and Phil Hahn (Security Benefit) to discuss what school business officials need to know now that the mandatory provisions of Secure 2.0 are taking effect.They break down the most important updates, compliance deadlines, and what districts can do today to
Innovation in Advocacy: How ASBO NY is Using AI to Support Members
One year after his first conversation on AI and innovation, ASBO New York’s Executive Director, Brian Cechnicki, returns to School Business Insider to share how his work has evolved — and what’s next.Host John Brucato reconnects with Brian to explore how ASBO New York is using AI, automation, and data visualization to create practical tools that empower members, enhance transparency, and support s
The Juggle is Real: Lessons in Work, Family, and Identity
Leadership, family, and finding balance — what does it really look like in practice?In this solo episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato steps away from the interviews to share personal reflections on managing family life, leadership, and self in the midst of constant motion.John recently welcomed his second child and offers an honest look at what it means to balance professional amb
Career Transitions in School Business: Insights from Rubie Harris
Career journeys are never linear — they’re built on experiences, lessons, and sometimes big leaps of faith.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato talks with Rubie Harris, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Management Services at Huntington Union Free School District in New York. With more than a decade of experience in school business, Rubie shares her professional jou
Building Up, Not Out: New Approaches to School Facilities
Schools are running out of land—but that doesn’t mean growth has to stop. Vertical design offers a compelling alternative for districts dealing with tight sites, rising costs, and changing educational requirements.In this episode of School Business Insider, we sit down with Kurt Peeters and Matt McGregor of Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc., authors of “The Vertical Advantage.” The
Why You Can’t Miss AC&E 2025 in Fort Worth
It’s almost time for ASBO International’s Annual Conference & Expo (AC&E 2025), happening October 21–23 in Fort Worth, Texas, with pre-conference workshops on October 20.In this episode, School Business Insider host John Brucato is joined by Cristin Watson, Lori Grooms, and Angie Smith from ASBO International to preview the event. Together, they highlight the theme “Navigate: Leading the J
Leading the Charge on School Facilities and Infrastructure
School buildings are the backbone of learning environments—but too often, districts lack the funding clarity, planning tools, or support they need to modernize facilities. That’s where the National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI) comes in.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato speaks with Dr. Jeff Vincent, Director of NCSI, and Jo Ann Armstrong, CSBO, Chief Financial
Hard Choices, Smarter Schools: Surviving the Big Shrink
Enrollment is shrinking—and the pressure is on. But that doesn’t mean school districts need to cut blindly. It means they need to plan smart.In this episode, Dr. Marguerite Roza of Georgetown University’s Edunomics Lab joins School Business Insider to discuss what she calls “The Big Shrink”—a long-term, nationwide enrollment decline—and how school systems can respond with strategy rather than pani
Lessons in School Safety: What We Can Learn from Tragedy
School safety is not waiting for permission, it’s urgent. In this episode of School Business Insider, John Brucato talks with Frank Guglieri, Director of Regional Safety Services at PNW BOCES, about rapid, real-world responses to recent crises like the Minneapolis school mass shooting and corrective action in cases of credible internal threats.They unpack what happens when crisis hits, what gaps b
Inside a Cyber Attack: Lessons for Schools from the Front Lines
Cyber attacks on schools are on the rise — and when they happen, the impact is immediate and long-lasting.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato speaks with Johnty Mongan, Global Head of Cyber Risk Management at Gallagher Cyber Risk Management. With years of experience responding to some of the most challenging cyber incidents worldwide, Johnty pulls back the curtain on what
Tax Credits, Deadlines, and Your District’s EV Transition Plan
School districts have a unique opportunity to save money as they transition to electric buses and charging infrastructure. Through the federal 45W Clean Vehicle Credit and 30C Refueling Property Credit, districts can access up to $40,000 per bus and $100,000 per charger—but these tax credits are set to expire soon.In this episode of School Business Insider, John Brucato speaks with Katherine Robof
Making a Difference in Washington: Reflections from ASBO’s Advocacy Leaders
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with members of ASBO International’s Legislative Advocacy Committee (LAC) — Brandy Smith (Montoursville Area School District, PA), Erik Roush (Columbus City Schools, OH), Chris Smith (Katy ISD, TX), and Brian Cechnicki (ASBO New York). Together, they reflect on the 2025 Legislative Advocacy Conference and share why advocacy at
Speak Like a Human, Prompt Like a Pro
Aziz Aghayev, CEO of Flowlyst, returns to School Business Insider to go deeper on AI strategies for school business officials. In this episode, we unpack prompt engineering best practices, custom GPT creation, and Aziz’s six-phase model for AI adoption. You’ll learn how to turn your thoughts into powerful, structured prompts and create your own GPTs to automate repetitive, time-consuming tasks—lik
From Mustard Seeds to Milestones: Trust, Leadership, and Budgeting in Texas Schools
In this episode of School Business Insider, we head to the Lone Star State for an honest and engaging conversation with Dr. Tracy Ginsburg, Executive Director of TASBO, and Heather Wilson, TASBO Board President and Assistant Superintendent of College Station ISD.Heather shares her experience transitioning to a new district after nearly two decades in her previous role—discussing what it takes to b
Ready, Set, School: SBO Strategies for a Smooth Fall Start
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Howie Barber, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations at Old Rochester Regional and MA Supervisory Union #55 in Massachusetts, to walk through the essential steps school business officials should take before students return to class.From finalizing capital projects and updating safety plans to managing last-mi
So You Want to Start a Podcast? A Roadmap for School Business Affiliates
In this special episode of School Business Insider, we’re sharing a recorded webinar presented by ASBO New York and ASBO International’s affiliate staff planning group. Host Amanda Wing leads a candid conversation with John Brucato—Assistant Superintendent, podcast host, and ASBO New York President-elect, about how to start a podcast from scratch, even when you're busy and budget-conscious.Yo
Reflect and Lead: Ron Clamser’s Journey with ASBO New York
In this episode of School Business Insider, John Brucato sits down with Dr. Ron Clamser, Assistant Superintendent for Business at PNW BOCES and current President of ASBO New York. They explore Ron’s 18-year journey in volunteer leadership, from his early advocacy work to helping revamp ASBO NY’s strategic direction.Ron shares his “reflect” theme for the year, the importance of balancing service wi
Supreme Decisions: How the High Court Is Shaping Public Education
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Sonja H. Trainor, Executive Director of the National School Attorneys Association, for a timely conversation about the U.S. Supreme Court’s major rulings and what they mean for school leaders.From religious objections to curriculum (Mahmoud v. Taylor) to transgender rights and medical procedures (U.S. v. Skrmetti), and from
The Foundations of SBO Success: Career Starts & Disaster Preparedness
Join host John Brucato and Maria Parry, retired SBA from Monmouth Regional High School (NJ), as they explore essential advice for those new to the school business field and those aiming to safeguard their district from disaster. Drawing from her School Business Now articles on career setup and disaster planning, Maria provides actionable insights—from résumé-risk mitigation to vendor planning—that
Roadmap to Sustainable Schools: Finance, Operations & Environmental Stewardship
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato speaks with Chris Wildman, Assistant Superintendent for Finance at Grayslake CCSD 46 in Illinois. Chris shares how his district launched a robust sustainability program—including composting, solar, paper use reduction, and strategic planning—all while delivering financial savings and engaging stakeholders. Drawn from Chris’s June 2025 S
From Rejection to Renewal: A School Business Journey in Trust & Transparency
In this solo episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato reflects on a remarkable transformation in his district—from the failure of a $36 million bond in 2018 to the successful completion of a $27 million capital project in 2024. With no tax increase and overwhelming community support, this journey was built on trust, transparency, and thoughtful planning.John shares actionable lessons
Helpful or Harmful? The Promise and Pitfalls of AI for CFOs and SBOs
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Mary Ellen Normen, a retired school business official blazing new trails in the world of artificial intelligence. With presentations at ASBO and AASA conferences and a widely-read article on AI in school business, Mary Ellen unpacks how SBOs can use AI tools for budgeting, facilities, communications, and strategic plannin
Breaking the Silence: Addressing Mental Health Among School Business Officials
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato engages in a heartfelt conversation with Peter Bard, CFO of East Stroudsburg Area School District. Peter shares his personal experiences with mental health challenges, the impact on his professional life, and his journey towards healing and advocacy. This discussion sheds light on the importance of mental well-being in the high-stakes w
Empowering the Next Generation: Insights from ASBO's Emerging Leaders
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato speaks with Brandy N. Smith, PCSBA, and Baillie M. Nash, SFO, recent recipients of the ASBO International Emerging Leaders Scholarship. They discuss their career journeys, the impact of the scholarship on their professional development, and the importance of networking in the field of school business. This conversation offers valuable i
Mentorship Matters: Cheryl Campbell on Nurturing School Business Leaders
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato engages in a compelling conversation with Cheryl Campbell, Chief Operating Officer at Thomas Tallis School in London and a leading advocate for mentorship in the school business profession. Cheryl shares her personal journey, insights on establishing effective mentoring relationships, and the pivotal role mentorship plays in professiona
Discovering a Sea of Knowledge: Inside MD ASBO's Spring Conference
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Jeff LaPorta, Executive Director of Maryland ASBO, and Libby Hillard, School Business Administrator and incoming Vice President of MD ASBO, to explore the intricacies of the 71st Annual Spring Conference. They discuss the inspiration behind this year's theme, "Discover a Sea of Knowledge," the meticulous pl
Church, State, and School Choice: Navigating the Legal Crossroads
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato engages with legal expert Dr. Charles J. Russo to dissect a landmark Supreme Court case that could redefine the intersection of public education funding and religious institutions. The case centers on Oklahoma's attempt to establish St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual Charter School, raising pivotal questions about the constitu
From the Hill to the Classroom: ASBO’s Federal Advocacy in Action
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Elleka Yost, ASBO’s Director of Advocacy & Research, along with Trisha Schock and Jeff Hollamon, Chair and Vice Chair of the Legislative Advisory Committee (LAC), to explore what ASBO International is doing to protect and promote education funding at the federal level.They discuss the 2025–2026 U.S. policy priorities,
Righting the Ship: Navigating Financial Challenges in Special Education
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Cindy M. Reilmann, CPA, SFO, Chief Financial Officer, and Dr. Michael Maclin, Superintendent of Schools, from the Special School District (SSD) of St. Louis County.Facing a projected $74 million deficit, SSD launched the Righting the Ship plan—a strategic roadmap designed to stabilize finances while preserving their mission
From Compliance to Collaboration: Redesigning the School Budget Process
How do school leaders move beyond compliance and create budgets that reflect shared values? In this episode of School Business Insider, John Brucato sits down with Dr. Michael Juech, Assistant Superintendent of Operations for the Howard-Suamico School District in Wisconsin, to explore his thought-provoking article, "We Versus Me: Collaborative Resource Allocation and Budget Management."D
The School Food Procurement Puzzle: Challenges, Solutions & Innovation
Food procurement is one of the biggest challenges facing school business officials today. Between regulatory red tape, supply chain disruptions, and vendor relationships, school districts must navigate a complex system to ensure students receive nutritious meals.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Sacha Pouliot, SFO/RSBA, and Darin Crawford, MBA, RTSBA, to br
The Hidden Lifeline: How Medicaid Supports Our Schools
As Congress considers major changes to Medicaid through budget reconciliation, schools across the country are at risk of losing critical funding that supports student health services. In this episode, we talk with Jessie Mandle, National Program Director at Healthy Schools Campaign, about the newly released report based on a national school Medicaid survey.Jessie and John explore how districts—esp
Healthy School Meals for All: What’s at Stake in Washington
School nutrition programs are under threat — and school business officials need to be prepared. In this episode of School Business Insider, we speak with Crystal FitzSimons, interim President of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), about the latest policy proposals in Washington that could impact access to school meals.Crystal breaks down potential changes to the Community Eligibility Pro
Beyond the Buzzwords: Real AI Solutions for School Business Officials
Artificial intelligence is here, and it’s changing the way school business officials operate—if they know how to use it effectively. In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Aziz Aghayev, CEO of Flowlyst, to discuss how AI is transforming school finance operations, from budget forecasting to policy creation and meeting summaries.Aziz shares: The Five Phases of A
Operational Excellence in Schools: A Year of Progress & What’s Next
Operational excellence has transformed industries like manufacturing and healthcare, but what about education? Can schools apply these same principles to streamline operations, maximize resources, and improve student outcomes?In this follow-up conversation, I reconnect with Stephen Morales, Chief Executive of the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) in the UK, to revisit our discussion o
Strengthening School Leadership, Part 2: Budgeting & Resource Management
Financial uncertainty is a constant challenge for school business officials, but how districts respond to it can determine long-term success. Instead of simply reacting to budget shortfalls, SBOs must take a strategic approach to resource allocation and financial planning. In this episode, Jonathan Travers, President & Managing Partner of Consulting at Education Resource Strategies (ERS), shar
Strengthening School Leadership, Part 1: Ethics & Decision-Making
Strong leadership is tested in challenging times. With shifting policies, financial strain, and increasing accountability, school business officials must make critical decisions that impact their districts, staff, and students. But how can SBOs maintain composure, ethics, and strategic clarity when facing these pressures?In Part 1 of our two-part series on Strengthening School Leadership, Jim Rowa
Building Better Budgets: Insights for School Business Leaders
Budgeting in a school district isn’t just about balancing the books—it’s about making strategic financial decisions that ensure long-term stability, transparency, and alignment with district goals. With fluctuating funding, increasing costs, and growing stakeholder expectations, school business officials must be proactive in their approach to financial planning.In this episode of School Business I
Navigating Economic Uncertainty: What School Business Officials Need to Know
Economic conditions are constantly shifting, and school districts must navigate interest rates, inflation, and policy decisions to make sound financial choices. With a new White House administration and evolving market trends, school business officials need to stay ahead of economic trends to manage investments, control costs, and plan for the future.In this episode of School Business Insider, we’
Breaking the Bias: Gender and Salary Negotiations in School Business
Salary negotiations should be about qualifications and experience, but research shows that gender bias plays a significant role in the outcomes—even in school business leadership. So how does gender influence pay in the education sector, and what can be done to close the gap?In this episode of School Business Insider, we sit down with Dr. Ron Clamser, Assistant Superintendent for Business at Putna
You Bring the Weather: Inside the High Performance Leadership Academy
Great school business leaders aren’t just born—they’re developed. In this episode of School Business Insider, we take a deep dive into the ASBO International High Performance Leadership Academy, a program designed to equip school business and education leaders with the skills they need to lead with confidence and impact.Joining us are Sabrina S. Soto, CAE, Chief Development Officer at ASBO Interna
School Districts and State Initiatives: Wins, Challenges, and Advocacy
In this episode of School Business Insider, we dive into New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2025 executive budget and its implications for school districts. From universal school meals to reducing screen time for students, the proposed initiatives have sparked important conversations among educators and policymakers.Joining us is Caroline Bobick, Deputy Director of Governmental and External Re
The Science of Happiness: Transforming Work and Life for School Business Officials
In this uplifting episode of School Business Insider, we explore the transformative power of happiness with Kim Strobel, CEO of Strobel Education and Kim Strobel Inc. Kim is an expert in the science of happiness and shares her proven strategies for fostering positivity, productivity, and resilience in both personal and professional life.Tailored for school business officials, this episode dives in
Making Data Work: Strategies for Financial and Academic Integration
In this episode of School Business Insider, we explore the transformative framework of Academic Return on Investment (AROI) and its potential to align financial resources with academic outcomes. Joining us are Tim Hilker, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services at Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES, and Joe Greco, Director of Budget and Program Integration at Saratoga Sp
Navigating GASB 101: Compensated Absences Simplified
In this episode of School Business Insider, we delve into GASB Statement 101, a game-changing update for accounting in public school districts. Joining us are Melissa Szot and Jeff Shaver, Partners at PKF O’Connor Davies, who bring their expertise to unpack this new standard on compensated absences.Melissa and Jeff provide a clear overview of GASB 101, explaining key differences from GASB 16, its
Thank You!
Thanks to all of you who tuned in for 2024! We have some great content coming up in 2025 that we can't wait to share! Happy New Year!Contact School Business Insider:Check us out on social media:LinkedInTwitter (X)Website: https://asbointl.org/SBIEmail: podcast@asbointl.orgMake sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes!Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expres
A Year in Review: Jim Rowan on Leading ASBO International in 2024
In this episode of School Business Insider, we reconnect with Jim Rowan, Executive Director of ASBO International, to reflect on his first year in the role. Jim was our very first guest, sharing his vision for ASBO International in 2024, and now he’s back to recap the highlights, successes, and lessons learned over the past year.Jim discusses the progress made on key initiatives like the Vision 35
Starting Strong: Work-Life Balance and Motivation for 2025
In this episode of School Business Insider, we’re setting the stage for a successful 2025 by focusing on balance, mindset, and motivation. Joining us is Eva Medilek, Certified High-Performance Coach, who shares actionable strategies for school business officials navigating the pressures of budget season and beyond.Eva discusses the distinctions between high achievement and high performance, offeri
Managing the Message: Communicating Through School Crises
In this episode of School Business Insider, we explore the essential role of communication in school district leadership. Mellissa Braham, Associate Director of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), joins us to share her expertise on building trust, navigating crises, and crafting communication strategies that resonate with communities.From managing financial communication chal
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