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), shares insights on managing financial uncertainty, using return on investment to guide budgeting decisio...
Mar 11, 2025•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Rowan, Executive Director of ASBO International joins us to discuss how SBOs can lead effectively throu...
Mar 04, 2025•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Insider , Bob Saul, Business Administrator and Board Treasurer at East Penn School District in Penns...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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’re joined by John Huber, SVP & Chief Investment Officer at PMA Asset Management, Kendra Shellan...
Feb 18, 2025•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Putnam | Northern Westchester BOCES, to explore the findings of his dissertation, The Effect of Gender B...
Feb 11, 2025•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 International; Amanda Grace Wing, Deputy Executive Director & COO at ASBO New York; and Tim Rahschulte...
Feb 04, 2025•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Relations at the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA). Caroline unpacks the key componen...
Jan 28, 2025•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 into the practical tools and mindsets needed to overcome stress, boost engagement, and create thrivin...
Jan 21, 2025•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Springs City School District. Tim and Joe share their expertise in using AROI to bridge the gap between...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast 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 implications for financial statements, and practical steps for implementation. From calculating lia...
Jan 07, 2025•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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: LinkedIn Twitter (X) Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI Email: podcast@asbointl.org Make sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes! Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Ass...
Dec 31, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Task Force, strengthening affiliate relationships, and enhancing membership engagement. He also sh...
Dec 24, 2024•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, offering her signature CPR framework—Clarity, Priorities, and Responsibility—for achieving sustainable wo...
Dec 17, 2024•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 challenges to leveraging social media effectively, Mellissa provides actionable insights for school bus...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of School Business Insider, we’re diving into the critical work of improving school food procurement. Joining us are Dr. Katie Wilson, Executive Director of the Urban School Food Alliance, and Dottie Arnold, Cooperative Agreement Administrator. Together, they explore the challenges schools face in providing affordable, nutritious meals and the initiatives underway to enhance procurement practices across districts. From navigating rising costs and supply chain disruptions to lever...
Dec 03, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of School Business Insider, we dive into one of the year’s most anticipated events for school business leaders: the ASBO International Leadership Forum, happening in Tampa, Florida, from March 6-7, 2025. The forum offers a unique opportunity to enhance leadership skills, build professional networks, and explore innovative solutions for the challenges school business leaders face today. Joining us are three distinguished guests: Shawn Tracey, Director of Finance & Administrati...
Nov 26, 2024•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of School Business Insider, we’re exploring the Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations (SFO) certification, a designation recognized nationwide for its excellence and rigor in school business. Joining us are two outstanding school business leaders: Matthew Lentz, Chief Financial Officer at Esperanza in Pennsylvania and a certified SFO, and Rebekah Brooks, Chief Financial Officer at Elizabeth School District in Colorado, who is currently considering pursuing her ...
Nov 19, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of School Business Insider, we sit down with Dr. Michael Lewis, a school business official who shares his personal journey of resilience and reinvention after facing significant professional challenges. Dr. Lewis opens up about his leadership experiences in various educational roles, the difficult decision to leave his most recent position, and the strength it takes to push forward in the face of adversity. Whether you’re navigating similar struggles or seeking inspiration, this ...
Nov 12, 2024•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this episode of School Business Insider, we're joined by two leaders at the forefront of sustainable school facilities: Anisa Heming, Director of the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council, and Craig Schiller, Executive Director of the Collaborative for High Performance Schools. Together, they share the latest on the state of school infrastructure, the challenges schools face in securing funding, and the critical role of sustainability in shaping the future of K-12 f...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of School Business Insider, we sit down with Dr. Victor Hayek, Deputy Superintendent of Schools at Conejo Valley Unified School District in California. Dr. Hayek shares his incredible journey, from being an English learner in the U.S. public school system to rising through the ranks of school leadership, eventually becoming a superintendent. He opens up about the challenges he faced, including overcoming stereotypes, the balance between the business and academic sides of school l...
Oct 29, 2024•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of School Business Insider, we sit down with Dr. James Kaishian, Superintendent of Schools at Briarcliff Manor UFSD in New York, to explore what strong leadership looks like in education today. Dr. Kaishian shares how he weathered turbulent times at Briarcliff Manor, built trust with the community, the Board of Education, and his school business official, and how collaboration across these leadership roles has driven the district's success. Whether you're a school busin...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Liza Acanfora, Director of Adult and Community Education, and Graham Violino, Director of Transportation, both from the Kenmore - Town of Tonawanda UFSD. They discuss how their district is tackling the nationwide bus driver shortage with an innovative training program funded by a New York State Department of Labor grant. Learn how this unique program not only fills the district’s driver needs but also provides opportuni...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast In this special episode of School Business Insider, we’re live from the expo floor at the 2024 ASBO International Annual Conference & Expo. Host John Brucato sits down with school business officials and affiliate members to explore their experiences and why attending the AC&E remains a top priority year after year. From emerging leaders to veteran SBOs, we hear personal stories of how the event fosters invaluable networking, professional growth, and the sharing of innovative ideas. Tune ...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this special live episode of School Business Insider, recorded at the 2024 ASBO International Annual Conference & Expo Innovation Hour, we explore the future of school business and education with two forward-thinking leaders: Laura Anderson, Associate Director at Edunomics Lab, and Dr. Mario Chiasson, Director of Research, Innovations, and Change Management at District scolaire francophone Sud. Together, we discuss how school business officials must rethink traditional budgeting practices...
Oct 01, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of School Business Insider, we take a deep dive into the evolving landscape of school security. Joining us are Dr. Brian Graham, Superintendent of Grand Island Central School District, and Brett Handell, Vice President of Sales at ZeroEyes, a company specializing in AI-driven weapon detection technology. Dr. Graham and Brett discuss how Grand Island has integrated advanced technologies like ZeroEyes to enhance school safety and the importance of balancing security measures with m...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of School Business Insider, we dive into the critical topic of data security in schools with Nathan Pierce, National Sales Executive at LifeTouch. Known for capturing cherished school memories, LifeTouch also leads the industry in protecting student data. Nathan shares insights into the sophisticated software and protocols LifeTouch employs to ensure that student photos and personal information are handled securely. From discussing best practices for data hygiene to addressing th...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of School Business Insider, we explore the future of school technology and connectivity through the lens of the federal E-Rate program and other key EdTech policies. Our guests, Noelle Ellerson Ng, Associate Executive Director of Advocacy & Governance at AASA, and Jon Bernstein, President of Bernstein Strategy Group, provide in-depth insights into the vital role of E-Rate in supporting school connectivity and how recent legal challenges, including a 5th Circuit Court ruling, ...
Sep 10, 2024•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of School Business Insider, we tackle the critical issue of cybersecurity in K-12 schools with special guest Keith Krueger, CEO of the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN). As schools increasingly become targets for cyberattacks, particularly ransomware, Keith shares invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats and the best practices that school districts can implement to protect their data and systems. From understanding the importance of multi-fac...
Sep 03, 2024•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of School Business Insider, we take an in-depth look at the financial audit process and the essential relationship between school business officials and auditors. Our guests, Regina Sampson, Business Manager at Corbett School District in Oregon, and Jean Larson, Director of Government Resource Management & Senior Audit Manager at Umpqua Valley Financial, bring their wealth of experience to the discussion. Together, they explore the technical steps involved in a school distric...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of School Business Insider, we’re giving you an exclusive preview of the 2024 ASBO International Conference and Expo, set to take place in Nashville, Tennessee, from September 18th to 20th. Join us as we speak with Jim Rowan, Executive Director of ASBO International, Cristin Watson, Director of Education, and Lorie Grooms, Director of Events, who share the immense effort and planning that goes into organizing this marquee event. We discuss the must-attend sessions, keynote speake...
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
