School Business Insider: From the Hill to the Classroom: ASBO’s Federal Advocacy in Action

Published on May 6, 2025

In the latest episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato delves into the pivotal role of federal advocacy within ASBO International through an in-depth conversation with key members of the Legislative Advisory Committee (LAC). Joined by Elika Yost, ASBO’s Director of Advocacy and Research; Tricia Shock, LAC Chair; and Jeff Holloman, LAC Vice Chair, the episode titled "From the Hill to the Classroom: ASBO’s Federal Advocacy in Action" offers listeners a comprehensive look at the association’s advocacy efforts, legislative priorities, and the impact of federal policies on school business professionals.

Understanding the Legislative Advisory Committee (LAC)

John Brucato opens the discussion by inviting the guests to elaborate on the LAC's mission and recent activities.

Tricia Shock provides an overview of her role and the scope of her work:

“We are essentially a service agency. We serve 29 school districts, one charter and one tribal school.” [01:44]

Elika Yost elaborates on the establishment and evolution of the LAC:

“Since the establishment of the LAC, we’ve been able to scale up our federal advocacy efforts on behalf of the profession.” [04:00]

She highlights how the committee transitioned from ad hoc advocacy to a more structured and inclusive process post-2015, enhancing ASBO’s presence in Washington, D.C.

Jeff Holloman adds his perspective as a seasoned school financial officer:

“We've been here for 23 plus years, overseeing 42 schools with over 27,000 students... Glad to be on the program today.” [02:50]

Key Takeaways:

• The LAC was formally established in 2015 to enhance ASBO's federal advocacy.
• It comprises school business practitioners, legal and policy experts, and liaisons from various ASBO affiliates.
• The committee plays a crucial role in shaping advocacy priorities and guiding ASBO’s legislative strategies.

Shaping Federal Advocacy Priorities

John probes into how the LAC solicits and prioritizes issues from diverse member inputs, ensuring balanced representation across different districts.

Elika Yost discusses the systematic approach to prioritizing advocacy issues:

“We look at what issues are affecting the profession, what's happening in the news, and what the current Congress or administration is focusing on.” [06:55]

She emphasizes the importance of a cyclical review process that incorporates feedback from members and affiliates to keep advocacy efforts relevant and impactful.

Notable Highlights:

• Flexible Process: Ensures that the priorities reflect the collective needs and benefits of the entire profession.
• Example of Priority Adjustment: The SALT deduction policy was reassessed after receiving diverse inputs from state affiliates, leading to a shift in advocacy focus to better serve all members.

Federal Funding Issues: Critical Areas of Focus

The conversation delves into key federal funding areas that the LAC is advocating for, including Title I, IDEA, Medicaid, and school nutrition programs.

Tricia Shock outlines the main funding priorities:

“We have taken on things like IDEA funding, Title I IDEA, school nutrition, and E-rate funding. These are key critical areas of funding for our schools throughout our nation.” [15:26]

Jeff Holloman underscores the significance of IDEA funding and the unmet federal commitments:

“The federal government committed to 40% of the national average per pupil expenditures for special education, but we've only received around 10%.” [17:33]

Elika Yost supplements by connecting Medicaid funding to IDEA:

“Medicaid helps fill the budget shortfall from having IDEA underfunded to serve students with special needs.” [38:30]

Key Insights:

• IDEA Funding: Critical for special education, yet significantly underfunded compared to federal commitments.
• Medicaid: Essential in bridging funding gaps for special needs education, making it a pivotal advocacy area.
• School Nutrition and E-Rate Funding: Ensure students have access to nutritious meals and robust technological infrastructure.

Emerging Issues: Artificial Intelligence in Education

The episode addresses the burgeoning role of AI in education and its implications for school districts.

Jeff Holloman raises concerns about the federal stance on AI:

“AI is a much broader topic that needs a holistic approach. We’re apprehensive about prescriptive mandates on schools.” [19:11]

Elika Yost discusses the executive order on AI and its impact:

“We recognize that AI in education needs to be monitored and implemented responsibly without placing disproportionate accountability on schools.” [21:14]

Key Points:

• Holistic Approach: Advocacy for AI policies that involve multiple stakeholders, including policymakers, tech vendors, parents, and students.
• Balanced Implementation: Ensuring that AI integration supports educational goals without adding undue financial or administrative burdens on schools.

Navigating Political Divides: Building Consensus

With representation from both red and blue states, the LAC addresses the challenges of maintaining unified advocacy efforts amidst a polarized political landscape.

Tricia Shock emphasizes staying focused on the common goal:

“We need to stay grounded in our shared purpose, advocating for strong, equitable funding and policies that serve all students.” [23:05]

Jeff Holloman reinforces the importance of unified messaging:

“We all want the best interest of our kids and to give them the best educational opportunities they can get.” [25:05]

Key Strategies:

• Common Ground: Prioritizing policies that benefit all students regardless of political affiliations.
• Unified Messaging: Crafting advocacy messages that resonate across different political spectra to maximize impact.

Upcoming Legislative Advocacy Conference: Preparing for Action

John Brucato shifts the focus to the imminent Legislative Advocacy Conference scheduled for July 8-10 in Washington, D.C., highlighting its significance for members.

Elika Yost provides an overview of the conference activities:

“There are education sessions during the event which address federal policy issues and their impact on schools... You get three days of intensive advocacy training.” [28:01]

Tricia Shock and Jeff Holloman share their enthusiasm for the conference’s role in empowering school business officials to advocate effectively.

Key Highlights:

• Hill Visit: A dedicated day to engage directly with policymakers.
• Educational Sessions: Equip attendees with knowledge and tools to navigate federal policies.
• Networking Opportunities: Facilitate connections among school business professionals to strengthen advocacy efforts.

The Importance of Advocacy: Making a Difference

As the episode draws to a close, the guests stress the critical role of advocacy in shaping educational policies and securing necessary funding.

Tricia Shock shares motivational insights:

“Advocacy is leadership beyond our buildings. We're here to let people know how those dollars impact our schools and every kid in them.” [43:23]

Jeff Holloman echoes this sentiment, highlighting the actionable resources available:

“Check out the ASBO Advocacy Center. It makes it easy for people to get involved in advocacy.” [45:20]

Elika Yost encourages continuous engagement:

“You don’t have to advocate alone. We’re all here to support you.” [48:12]

Actionable Advice:

• Get Involved: Attend the Legislative Advocacy Conference and participate in advocacy initiatives.
• Utilize Resources: Access tools and resources available through the ASBO Advocacy Center.
• Share Your Story: Communicate district-specific impacts to policymakers to inform and influence decision-making.

Conclusion

John Brucato wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to the guests and reinforcing the importance of sustained advocacy efforts. The conversation underscores that effective advocacy not only protects vital funding streams but also enhances the educational environment for students nationwide.

Notable Quotes:

• “Advocacy is leadership beyond our buildings.” — Tricia Shock [43:23]
• “If we just sit back in our district and don't get out there and advocate, we're missing a great opportunity to expand educational opportunities for our students.” — Jeff Holloman [45:20]
• “We need to stay grounded in our shared purpose, advocating for strong, equitable funding and policies that serve all students.” — Tricia Shock [23:05]

Resources Mentioned:

• ASBO Advocacy Center: asbo.org/advocacy
• Coalition for Public Education: novouchers.org

For school business professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of federal advocacy and its impact on education, this episode of School Business Insider serves as an essential guide. By highlighting the strategic efforts of the LAC and providing actionable insights, John Brucato ensures listeners are well-equipped to engage in meaningful advocacy that benefits their districts and, most importantly, the students they serve.