School Business Insider

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 3...

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, offer...

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 cha...

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 procur...

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 to...

 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 F...

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...

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 schoo...

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 face...

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 acro...

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....

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...

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...

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 technolo...

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 persona...

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 su...

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 distr...

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 e...

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 planni...

In this episode of School Business Insider, we explore a story of perseverance, resilience, and career evolution with Brady Brucato, Coordinator of Sales & Relationship Management at PMA Financial Network, LLC. Brady shares her remarkable journey through the world of school business, from starting as a state aid planner at Questar III BOCES to her roles at ASBO New York, Forecast5, and Frontli...

In this episode of School Business Insider, we delve into the critical topic of long-range facilities planning with two experts from BLDD Architects. Join us as we sit down with Kayla Peck, an architectural designer, and Damien Schlitt, Director for K–12 and a principal at BLDD, to explore why comprehensive facilities planning is essential for the success and sustainability of educational environm...

In this conversation, Jeff Laporta, the Executive Director of Maryland ASBO, discusses leadership lessons for school business officials and how they can be related to classic TV shows. Jeff shares his background and experience in school business administration and explains his journey towards becoming a better leader. He highlights the importance of combining great work with great leadership and t...

Amanda Verba, Chief Operations Officer at the Ithaca City School District, shares her journey of handling a failed budget vote and the challenges she faced. The budget process in New York requires a majority vote from registered voters to approve the budget. If the budget fails, the district has a condensed timeline to redevelop a budget and go back for another vote. Amanda discusses the factors t...

In this conversation, Tim Hilker and Christine DeMass, two School Business Officials who have served and will be serving on the ASBO New York Board of Directors discuss their backgrounds, their involvement with ASBO New York and ASBO International, and their experiences as board members. Tim shares advice for new board members and highlights the close relationships and sea of change within the org...

In this conversation, Jim Spellos, the president of Meeting U, shares insights on the transformative world of artificial intelligence and its potential to revolutionize school business operations. He discusses the background of AI, generative AI, traditional AI, and the differences between them. He also explores the use of AI in education, the challenges of AI detection, and the future of AI in th...