Podcast Summary: "From Mustard Seeds to Milestones: Trust, Leadership, and Budgeting in Texas Schools"

Podcast Information:

• Title: School Business Insider
• Host: John Brucato
• Description: ASBO International's official podcast where school business professionals and industry experts share their stories and explore pertinent topics each week.
• Episode Title: From Mustard Seeds to Milestones: Trust, Leadership, and Budgeting in Texas Schools
• Release Date: August 12, 2025

Introduction

In this insightful episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato engages in a compelling conversation with two esteemed school business leaders from Texas: Dr. Tracy Ginsburg, Executive Director of TASBO, and Heather Wilson, TASBO Board President. The discussion delves into the complexities of transitioning into new roles within school districts, building trust and culture from the ground up, navigating financial deficits, and the pivotal role of professional development and networking in sustaining effective school business operations.

Transitioning to a New Role

Heather Wilson shares her personal journey of transitioning from Canyon ISD, where she served for over 18 years, to College Station ISD. The move, spanning eight hours within Texas, was motivated by a desire to return closer to her roots and family as her youngest child headed off to college.

Heather Wilson [02:00]: "College Station is actually really close to where I grew up, and it's close to where both of my husband and my families are."

John acknowledges the magnitude of such a move, both physically and professionally.

John Brucato [03:00]: "Eight hours is a big move, but it sounds like it's a little bit closer to some familiarities."

Building Trust and Relationships in a New District

Heather emphasizes the challenges of establishing new relationships within a new district. Transitioning after nearly two decades in one district entails rebuilding connections not only within the school system but also with city officials, developers, and community stakeholders.

Heather Wilson [04:07]: "You've developed a lot of relationships. And so that's probably one of the hardest things, making a change is developing those relationships."

Tracy Ginsburg offers invaluable advice to those undergoing similar transitions, advocating for a patient and incremental approach to effecting change.

Tracy Ginsburg [08:22]: "Take a deep breath. You bloom where you're planted, and you need to bloom. One bite out of an apple at a time, you're not going to fix everything all at once."

Heather recounts her proactive strategies, such as conducting stay interviews with directors to understand their goals and foster a collaborative environment.

Navigating Budgeting and Financial Challenges

A substantial portion of the discussion centers around the financial strains facing Texas schools. Heather details the recent budgetary adjustments aimed at reallocating funds to provide a 5% raise to staff despite existing financial constraints.

Heather Wilson [17:44]: "We did give a 5% raise to those positions. We walked their salaries up a little bit, but we still can't walk them where they need to be. The money's not there, but we did what we could to try to make it as right as possible."

John expresses skepticism about the sustainability of such raises without increasing the overall budget, questioning what areas might need to be sacrificed as a result.

John Brucato [34:12]: "What do you feel is going to be now have to be sacrificed because of this change in funding?"

Heather responds by highlighting the impact on administrative roles and the potential difficulty in retaining key leadership positions due to limited financial flexibility.

Heather Wilson [34:55]: "It's going to be hard to fill those positions. And so I think eventually this is going to kind of backfire a little bit because school districts don't have the money to... We're at the top. We've shaken everything. There's nothing left in most school districts to cut unless you're going to cut a program."

The Role of TASBO in Supporting School Business Officials

Tracy Ginsburg underscores the critical role TASBO plays in supporting school business officials through professional development, resources, and fostering statewide relationships.

Tracy Ginsburg [14:36]: "We help you build relationships across the state and find those people who can help you identify those unique issues and unique problems and find a better way, another way to do things."

Heather echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that TASBO provides a support network indispensable for navigating the multifaceted challenges of school business operations.

Heather Wilson [21:35]: "We lean on them constantly. ... Without TASBO and without your other peers, I just don't think it's possible."

Value of Professional Development and Peer Networking

The conversation highlights the immense value of professional development (PD) and peer networking facilitated by TASBO. These platforms allow school business officials to share best practices, gain insights from peers, and stay abreast of legislative and financial changes impacting education.

Tracy Ginsburg [19:45]: "TASBO is the mustard seed. The Heathers of the world are our mustard seeds. ... We all don't have to be president. We all don't have to be on stage. There are lots of quiet leaders in the background, and we're tapping on them."

Heather attributes her leadership growth and ability to manage transitions effectively to her active involvement with TASBO.

Heather Wilson [21:35]: "I can't possibly see doing this without TASBO. ... When we come together as a group, it's kind of like family. We all lean on each other, we all support each other."

Financial Landscape of Public Education in Texas

Tracy Ginsburg provides an overview of the current financial pressures facing Texas public education. Following changes in public finance rules in 2019 and the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, funding has become increasingly constrained. The basic allotment per student was significantly reduced, leading to severe budgetary challenges.

Tracy Ginsburg [30:07]: "Our basic allotment, which every state has some form of basic allotment, was frozen from 2019 until this legislative session. But I can't. What you get $145 a student... is all we got this session."

She expresses concern about the long-term implications of these funding cuts on the quality of education and the ability to address societal issues impacting student performance.

Tracy Ginsburg [32:10]: "It really frightens me for this next generation of students because we have a quality education system. ... It's so easy to throw stones and... my forefathers are shaking their heads and wondering what's going on."

Upcoming ASBO International Annual Conference in Fort Worth

As the episode draws to a close, John Brucato shifts focus to the upcoming ASBO International Annual Conference and Expo in Fort Worth, Texas. Tracy and Heather share their enthusiasm for the event, highlighting Fort Worth's unique cultural offerings and encouraging attendees to engage deeply with both the professional and local experiences.

Heather Wilson [38:38]: "You have to go to a livestock roundup... If you need a cowboy hat, you can get one there too."

Tracy Ginsburg [40:51]: "Go to what Jyoti Garcia's down in the stockyards. ... Fort Worth is one of my favorite cities in Texas."

They advise first-time attendees to take full advantage of networking opportunities and immerse themselves in the local culture.

Heather Wilson [41:24]: "Like even when I teach class and stuff, lean over to the person beside you. Introduced yourself, get to know them. They could be your next best friend."

Tracy Ginsburg [41:48]: "Take advantage of all that ASBO has to offer. ... Broaden your perspective. ... Experience a new city and enjoy Fort Worth."

Conclusion

This episode of School Business Insider offers a profound exploration of the multifaceted challenges and strategies involved in managing school business operations in Texas. From the personal experiences of transitioning into new roles and districts to the overarching financial constraints impacting public education, John Brucato, Tracy Ginsburg, and Heather Wilson provide invaluable insights into fostering trust, effective leadership, and robust budgeting practices. The discussion underscores the indispensable role of organizations like TASBO in supporting school business officials through professional development and peer networking, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and effectiveness of public education systems.

Notable Quotes:

• Heather Wilson [02:00]: "College Station is actually really close to where I grew up, and it's close to where both of my husband and my families are."

• Heather Wilson [04:07]: "You've developed a lot of relationships. And so that's probably one of the hardest things, making a change is developing those relationships."

• Tracy Ginsburg [08:22]: "Take a deep breath. You bloom where you're planted, and you need to bloom. One bite out of an apple at a time, you're not going to fix everything all at once."

• Tracy Ginsburg [14:36]: "We help you build relationships across the state and find those people who can help you identify those unique issues and unique problems and find a better way, another way to do things."

• Heather Wilson [21:35]: "Without TASBO and without your other peers, I just don't think it's possible."

• Tracy Ginsburg [30:07]: "Our basic allotment... was frozen from 2019 until this legislative session. But I can't. What you get $145 a student... is all we got this session."

• Heather Wilson [38:38]: "You have to go to a livestock roundup... If you need a cowboy hat, you can get one there too."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the core discussions and insights shared by the guests, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who have not listened to the episode.