School Business Insider
Episodes
Behind the Scenes: Building the ASBO NY Summit
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 Bruca...
Adequacy, Equity, and Effort: Breaking Down School Finance
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
Designing Better Leaders: Insights from an Olympian
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Great leadership doesn’t happen by accident — it’s designed.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with John Co...
Schools and Town Halls: Building Strong Municipal Relationships
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Strong school districts depend on strong partnerships with their communities — and that includes local government.In this episode of School Business...
The Fiscal Squeeze: Property Taxes and School Choice in Ohio
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Leading Forward: Why Serve on the ASBO International Board
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Leadership in our profession doesn’t just happen locally — it also happens at the governance level.In this episode of School Business Insider, hos...
Federal Priorities, Texas Realities
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Christopher Smith, CFO of Katy Independent School District and Chair of A...
The Hidden Budget Pressure: Skilled Trades and School Operations
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Skilled trades are no longer just an operational concern — they’re a strategic budget issue.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John ...
Does Advocacy Work? Lessons from ASBO New York Advocacy Day
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Building Confidence with AI: Frameworks, Tools, and Real Use Cases
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
AI adoption in schools is no longer theoretical — it’s happening, unevenly and imperfectly, across the public sector.In this episode of School Bus...
The New Reality of Student Data Privacy
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Student privacy is no longer a background issue — it’s a front-line leadership challenge.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Bru...
Powering Learning: Energy Projects as Living Laboratories
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Energy projects in schools can do more than reduce costs — they can create powerful learning opportunities.In this episode of School Business Inside...
The Strategic CFO: Moving Beyond Compliance
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 j...
Operational Excellence in Practice: ASBO NY and ISBL’s New Pilot
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What if school business operations were designed for sustainability — not constant reaction?In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Br...
Wrapped! 2025
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Different Paths, Shared Lessons: Early Leadership as a School Business Official
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every school business official remembers their first few years — the learning curve, the pressure, and the moments that shape who they become as lea...
The State of School Employee Healthcare: Costs, Culture & the Road Ahead
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Healthcare costs continue to rise, and employee expectations are evolving just as quickly.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucat...
Campus Safety Redefined: District Priorities and Emerging Tech
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with John Vetter, Regional Sales Director at Centegix, to explore how school d...
Lean On Me: Building Your Professional Network
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Insi...
Navigating Change: A Live Conversation from SBMW
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special live-recorded episode from SBMW, host John Brucato and co-presenter Ron Clamser lead a candid, interactive session on navigating chang...
Inside the Governance Task Force: Transparency, Inclusion, and Leadership
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Strong governance builds strong organizations — and ASBO International is leading the way.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Bruc...
Secure 2.0 in Action: Preparing for What’s Now Mandatory
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato reconnects with Michael Linehan (Equitable), Sarah Breiner (U.S. OMNI & TSACG), and ...
Innovation in Advocacy: How ASBO NY is Using AI to Support Members
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One year after his first conversation on AI and innovation, ASBO New York’s Executive Director, Brian Cechnicki, returns to School Business Insider ...
The Juggle is Real: Lessons in Work, Family, and Identity
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Leadership, family, and finding balance — what does it really look like in practice?In this solo episode of School Business Insider, host John Bruca...
Career Transitions in School Business: Insights from Rubie Harris
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Career journeys are never linear — they’re built on experiences, lessons, and sometimes big leaps of faith.In this episode of School Business Insi...
Building Up, Not Out: New Approaches to School Facilities
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Schools are running out of land—but that doesn’t mean growth has to stop. Vertical design offers a compelling alternative for districts dealing wi...
Why You Can’t Miss AC&E 2025 in Fort Worth
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s almost time for ASBO International’s Annual Conference & Expo (AC&E 2025), happening October 21–23 in Fort Worth, Texas, with pre-c...
Leading the Charge on School Facilities and Infrastructure
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
School buildings are the backbone of learning environments—but too often, districts lack the funding clarity, planning tools, or support they need t...
Hard Choices, Smarter Schools: Surviving the Big Shrink
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Lessons in School Safety: What We Can Learn from Tragedy
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
School safety is not waiting for permission, it’s urgent. In this episode of School Business Insider, John Brucato talks with Frank Guglieri, Direct...
Inside a Cyber Attack: Lessons for Schools from the Front Lines
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Tax Credits, Deadlines, and Your District’s EV Transition Plan
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
School districts have a unique opportunity to save money as they transition to electric buses and charging infrastructure. Through the federal 45W Cle...
Making a Difference in Washington: Reflections from ASBO’s Advocacy Leaders
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with members of ASBO International’s Legislative Advocacy Committee (LAC) —...
Speak Like a Human, Prompt Like a Pro
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Aziz Aghayev, CEO of Flowlyst, returns to School Business Insider to go deeper on AI strategies for school business officials. In this episode, we unp...
From Mustard Seeds to Milestones: Trust, Leadership, and Budgeting in Texas Schools
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Ready, Set, School: SBO Strategies for a Smooth Fall Start
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Howie Barber, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations at Old ...
So You Want to Start a Podcast? A Roadmap for School Business Affiliates
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of School Business Insider, we’re sharing a recorded webinar presented by ASBO New York and ASBO International’s affiliate...
Reflect and Lead: Ron Clamser’s Journey with ASBO New York
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, John Brucato sits down with Dr. Ron Clamser, Assistant Superintendent for Business at PNW BOCES and curren...
Supreme Decisions: How the High Court Is Shaping Public Education
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Sonja H. Trainor, Executive Director of the National School Attorneys Assoc...
The Foundations of SBO Success: Career Starts & Disaster Preparedness
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 sch...
Roadmap to Sustainable Schools: Finance, Operations & Environmental Stewardship
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato speaks with Chris Wildman, Assistant Superintendent for Finance at Grayslake CCSD 46 in ...
From Rejection to Renewal: A School Business Journey in Trust & Transparency
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Helpful or Harmful? The Promise and Pitfalls of AI for CFOs and SBOs
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Mary Ellen Normen, a retired school business official blazing new trails ...
Breaking the Silence: Addressing Mental Health Among School Business Officials
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato engages in a heartfelt conversation with Peter Bard, CFO of East Stroudsburg Area School...
Empowering the Next Generation: Insights from ASBO's Emerging Leaders
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 A...
Mentorship Matters: Cheryl Campbell on Nurturing School Business Leaders
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato engages in a compelling conversation with Cheryl Campbell, Chief Operating Officer at Th...
Discovering a Sea of Knowledge: Inside MD ASBO's Spring Conference
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Jeff LaPorta, Executive Director of Maryland ASBO, and Libby Hillard, Sch...
Church, State, and School Choice: Navigating the Legal Crossroads
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
From the Hill to the Classroom: ASBO’s Federal Advocacy in Action
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Elleka Yost, ASBO’s Director of Advocacy & Research, along with Tri...
Righting the Ship: Navigating Financial Challenges in Special Education
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Cindy M. Reilmann, CPA, SFO, Chief Financial Officer, and Dr. Michael Macli...
From Compliance to Collaboration: Redesigning the School Budget Process
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do school leaders move beyond compliance and create budgets that reflect shared values? In this episode of School Business Insider, John Brucato s...
The School Food Procurement Puzzle: Challenges, Solutions & Innovation
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Food procurement is one of the biggest challenges facing school business officials today. Between regulatory red tape, supply chain disruptions, and v...
The Hidden Lifeline: How Medicaid Supports Our Schools
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Congress considers major changes to Medicaid through budget reconciliation, schools across the country are at risk of losing critical funding that ...
Healthy School Meals for All: What’s at Stake in Washington
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
School nutrition programs are under threat — and school business officials need to be prepared. In this episode of School Business Insider, we speak...
Beyond the Buzzwords: Real AI Solutions for School Business Officials
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence is here, and it’s changing the way school business officials operate—if they know how to use it effectively. In this episo...
Operational Excellence in Schools: A Year of Progress & What’s Next
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Operational excellence has transformed industries like manufacturing and healthcare, but what about education? Can schools apply these same principles...
Strengthening School Leadership, Part 2: Budgeting & Resource Management
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Financial uncertainty is a constant challenge for school business officials, but how districts respond to it can determine long-term success. Instead ...
Strengthening School Leadership, Part 1: Ethics & Decision-Making
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Strong leadership is tested in challenging times. With shifting policies, financial strain, and increasing accountability, school business officials m...
Building Better Budgets: Insights for School Business Leaders
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Budgeting in a school district isn’t just about balancing the books—it’s about making strategic financial decisions that ensure long-term stabil...
Navigating Economic Uncertainty: What School Business Officials Need to Know
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Economic conditions are constantly shifting, and school districts must navigate interest rates, inflation, and policy decisions to make sound financia...
Breaking the Bias: Gender and Salary Negotiations in School Business
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Salary negotiations should be about qualifications and experience, but research shows that gender bias plays a significant role in the outcomes—even...
You Bring the Weather: Inside the High Performance Leadership Academy
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
School Districts and State Initiatives: Wins, Challenges, and Advocacy
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, we dive into New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2025 executive budget and its implications for schoo...
The Science of Happiness: Transforming Work and Life for School Business Officials
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this uplifting episode of School Business Insider, we explore the transformative power of happiness with Kim Strobel, CEO of Strobel Education and ...
Making Data Work: Strategies for Financial and Academic Integration
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, we explore the transformative framework of Academic Return on Investment (AROI) and its potential to ali...
Navigating GASB 101: Compensated Absences Simplified
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, we delve into GASB Statement 101, a game-changing update for accounting in public school districts. Joinin...
Thank You!
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Scho...
A Year in Review: Jim Rowan on Leading ASBO International in 2024
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Starting Strong: Work-Life Balance and Motivation for 2025
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, we’re setting the stage for a successful 2025 by focusing on balance, mindset, and motivation. Joining u...
Managing the Message: Communicating Through School Crises
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, we explore the essential role of communication in school district leadership. Mellissa Braham, Associate D...
Better Food, Better Futures: Solving School Food Procurement Challenges
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, we’re diving into the critical work of improving school food procurement. Joining us are Dr. Katie Wilso...
Tampa Awaits: A Preview of the 2025 Leadership Forum for School Business Leaders
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, we dive into one of the year’s most anticipated events for school business leaders: the ASBO Internation...
Becoming an Elite School Business Official: All About the SFO Certification
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, we’re exploring the Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations (SFO) certification, a de...
Resilience and Reinvention in School Business Leadership
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, we sit down with Dr. Michael Lewis, a school business official who shares his personal journey of resilien...
Funding the Future: Grants and Green Initiatives for School Facilities
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of School Business Insider, we're joined by two leaders at the forefront of sustainable school facilities: Anisa Heming, Director...
From Immigrant to Superintendent: A Journey of Leadership and Resilience
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, we sit down with Dr. Victor Hayek, Deputy Superintendent of Schools at Conejo Valley Unified School Distri...
Strengthening Leadership: The Superintendent, SBO, and Board Collaboration
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ex...
Innovation on Wheels: Combating the Bus Driver Shortage
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Liza Acanfora, Director of Adult and Community Education, and Graham Viol...
Live from the 2024 ASBO Expo: Why SBOs Prioritize AC&E
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of School Business Insider, we’re live from the expo floor at the 2024 ASBO International Annual Conference & Expo. Host...
Innovating School Business: Insights from ASBO International’s Innovation Hour
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special live episode of School Business Insider, recorded at the 2024 ASBO International Annual Conference & Expo Innovation Hour, we expl...
Innovations in School Security: AI-Driven Solutions for Safer Schools
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, Super...
Capturing Moments, Protecting Privacy: LifeTouch’s Data Security Strategies
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, we dive into the critical topic of data security in schools with Nathan Pierce, National Sales Executive a...
The E-Rate Program in 2024: Updates and Advocacy
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Safeguarding Schools: Cybersecurity Essentials for K-12 Education
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Smooth Audits: Building Strong SBO and Auditor Relationships
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, we take an in-depth look at the financial audit process and the essential relationship between school busi...
Nashville Bound: ASBO International's 2024 Conference & Expo Preview
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 pl...
Finding Your True Calling in School Business
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, we explore a story of perseverance, resilience, and career evolution with Brady Brucato, Coordinator of Sa...
Laying the Foundation: Long-Range Facilities Planning in Schools
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of School Business Insider, we delve into the critical topic of long-range facilities planning with two experts from BLDD Architects. ...
The TV Guide to Leadership: Lessons for School Business Professionals
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Jeff Laporta, the Executive Director of Maryland ASBO, discusses leadership lessons for school business officials and how they c...
Resilience and Hope in School Business
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda Verba, Chief Operations Officer at the Ithaca City School District, shares her journey of handling a failed budget vote and the challenges she ...
From Passion to Action: The Journey of ASBO Board Members
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Navigating the AI Landscape: Opportunities for School Business Leaders
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Jim Spellos, the president of Meeting U, shares insights on the transformative world of artificial intelligence and its potentia...
Cooperation Nation: Navigating the World of Cooperative Purchasing with GOVMVMT
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
SummaryIn this episode, representatives from GOVMVMT discuss the importance of cooperative purchasing for public school districts. They explain how co...
Elevating School Finance: A Leader’s Guide to Success
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lou Pepe, the Director of Business Services at Southern Lehigh School District, shares his journey and insights on leadership in the educational secto...
Overcoming the Funding Gap: Revitalizing America’s School Facilities
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Timothy Unruh, the Executive Director of the National Association of Energy Service Companies, discusses the challenges that school districts face...
Editorial Excellence: Crafting Content for School Business Professionals
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores the world of school business literature with the Editorial Advisory Committee (EAC) of ASBO International. The EAC plays a cruci...
Seoul Searching: How One Bad Day Led to a Dream Job
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
SummaryMike McCarthy, Director of Business and Administration at St. Johnsbury Academy, Jeju, shares insights into managing finances, operations, and ...
Charging Ahead: The Journey to Electric School Buses
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's conversation explores the topic of electric busing and the challenges and opportunities it presents for school districts. The panel of ex...
Soaring to New Heights: Exploring the ASBO International Eagle Institute
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
SummaryThe ASBO International Eagle Institute is a premier event designed specifically for school business officials seeking to elevate their skills, ...
Demystifying Secure Act 2.0: A Guide for Public School Leaders
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
SummaryIn this episode, the guests discuss the Secure Act 2.0 and its potential impact on public schools. They highlight the need for retirement plann...