School Business Insider
Episode Title: Leading Forward: Why Serve on the ASBO International Board
Host: John Brucato
Aired: March 3, 2026
Guests: Scott Gooding (Treasurer/CFO, Big Walnut School District, Ohio) & Tara Van Dyke (Director of Fiscal Services, Northwest Regional ESD, Oregon)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the themes of leadership and service within the school business profession, spotlighting two candidates—Scott Gooding and Tara Van Dyke—for upcoming seats on ASBO International’s Board. The conversation moves from their unique entry points into school business, their journeys at both local and international levels, to the broader vision and challenges of ASBO's global leadership. Both guests share candid perspectives on the impact of service, mentorship, and the vital role of financial stewardship in shaping educational outcomes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Personal Journeys into School Business

Scott Gooding

• Comes from a family of educators (father: superintendent, mother & sister: teachers), but found his niche in school finance.
• Began with a goal of teaching/coaching but shifted direction in college toward finance ([01:49]).
• Career is "full circle"—now serving as Treasurer/CFO in his home district.
  • Quote:
    “There’s nothing more rewarding than helping to positively impact the lives of children. In school finance, we quickly realize that strong financial leadership directly shapes the opportunities for our students, teachers, and the entire community.” — Scott Gooding [02:33]
• Learns from his family's legacy: values each employee in the district and strives to never overlook anyone's contribution ([03:36]).

Tara Van Dyke

• Started in private education (accounts payable/payroll), encouraged by a cousin to join the public ESD sector ([05:06]).
• Worked through several roles in the ESD, earning her bachelor’s in accounting while balancing work, school, and family.
• Has unique perspective from managing finances for both small rural districts and a large educational service agency, shaped further by her personal experience as a parent of a child with learning challenges ([07:27]).
  • Quote:
    “We need to treat the janitors and the custodial staff just like you treat your superintendent or principal. Right? We shouldn’t be treating anyone any differently. They all have the same impact on students.” — Tara Van Dyke [06:05]

2. Engagement with ASBO International

Getting Involved

• Both began with involvement in their state/local ASBO chapters; leadership academies and new manager institutes were gateways ([11:42]).
• Scott highlights being encouraged by a facilitator to think bigger—state and national contributions ([09:33]).
  • Recalls early skepticism and how encouragement by others revealed potential he hadn’t seen in himself.
• Tara credits the community and professional development opportunities, leading to joining the Education Committee and becoming a regular at ASBO International conferences ([12:11]).
  • Produces “SBO Perspectives” podcast after meeting her co-host through ASBO ([13:21]).

Impact on Professional Growth

• Both stress the collaborative, non-competitive environment and enormous support network offered by ASBO International. Opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and knowledge sharing are at the organization's core ([13:21], [14:42]).
  • Quote:
    “We’re in education. We’re lifelong learners. I’m not done yet.” — Scott Gooding [15:13]

3. The Role & Responsibilities of the ASBO International Board

• Strategic governance: defines direction, vision, and major initiatives ([16:01]).
• Fiduciary oversight of member dues and resources.
• Unique to the International level: responsible not only for local/state issues but for federal and global advocacy ([16:25], [17:12]).
  • Quote:
    “It’s making sure that the long-term vision is there and that ASBO is working across the country, across the globe, but also creating those connections and fostering with our state affiliates too.” — Scott Gooding [16:25]
• Not day-to-day management, but setting “the big picture” ([17:33]).

4. Making ASBO Truly “International”

• The board’s challenge and charge is to ensure global inclusion—move beyond a North American focus ([17:37]).
• Importance of listening to and learning from international members ([18:20]).
  • Tara: Engaging and listening to all members, not just those in North America ([18:20]).
  • Scott: Recounts a formative conversation with a South African member, underscoring the diverse challenges but common ground ([18:46]).
    • Quote:
      “It’s being open to that understanding, listening, and then acting upon that.” — Scott Gooding [19:24]
• Host John concurs, noting that issues faced globally in school business are often shared, just with different local details ([19:35]).

5. Why Serve at the International Level?

Scott:

• Finished nine years on state board; ready for a “larger canvas.”
• Motivated by the desire to strengthen connections between educational outcomes and financial stewardship ([21:26]).
• Personal timing is right—life circumstances allow for added commitment ([22:17]).

Tara:

• Did not initially plan to run; was persuaded by mentors and colleagues ([22:35]).
• Recognizes and values the trust others have placed in her.
• Sees it as an opportunity to give back, continue Oregon’s representation, and contribute to the broader professional community ([23:59]).
  • Quote:
    “When people I respect believe that I’m ready, maybe I need to realize that I’m ready, right?” — Tara Van Dyke [22:49]

6. Perspectives & Representation

• Both bring experience in both rural and large districts; feel equipped to reflect the needs of diverse membership ([24:13], [24:50]).
• Value the importance of listening and seeking broad input before making board decisions ([27:05], [27:58]).
  • Quote:
    “The goal would be to ensure that every member has access to the professional learning… advocacy support that ASBO has for us… It really goes back to that act of listening and understanding what our members’ needs are first.” — Scott Gooding [27:55]

7. Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Current Challenges:

• Public education and the profession are “under attack” ([28:57]).
• Major concern: pipeline and succession planning, as many current professionals approach retirement—few young people know about the field, resulting in shortages ([29:33], [30:29]).
• Financial/funding instability and advocacy for sustainable resources ([30:29], [31:33]).

Opportunities:

• Elevating the role/reputation of school business officials from bookkeepers to essential strategic leaders ([29:34]).
• Building new pathways and “selling” the field to younger generations through high school outreach and university partnerships ([32:19], [33:34], [34:43]).
  • Quote:
    “It’s not like anybody says, ‘Oh, when I grow up, I want to be a school business professional.’” — John Brucato [32:12]

8. The Profession’s Future: Next Five Years

• Innovation and technology (AI) are poised to transform school business operations, but will come amid chronic constraint (“doing more with less”) ([35:57]).
  • Tara:
    • Emphasizes need for leveraging technology, collaboration, and creative staffing models ([36:34]).
    • Urges proactive adaptation to maintain financial and operational sustainability.
  • Scott:
    • Leadership will mean adaptability and development of new professionals entering the field ([38:14]).
    • Recalls his own skepticism about AI, but now sees its benefits for efficiency and leadership demands ([38:14]).
  • Quote:
    “We’ve moved into a strategic visionary role, which is critical… These next five years… will require a lot of flexibility, adaptability, and leadership development.” — Scott Gooding [38:14]

9. Service, Mentorhip, and Personal Meaning

• Tara:
  • Service is stewardship, mentorship, and ensuring the next generation is prepared ([40:49]).
  • “Encouraging succession for the future, ensuring the next generation of leaders leaves the profession stronger than we found it.” [41:26]
• Scott:
  • Defines service as both financial stewardship and stewardship of community trust.
  • Finds reward in direct impact—small moments with students are most meaningful ([41:43]).
    • Quote:
      “It’s always about keeping the students at the center of our work… the things that have been most rewarding aren’t making the spreadsheet look pretty… It’s going out and helping with bus dismissal and arrival, seeing the kids.” — Scott Gooding [41:44]

10. Final Thoughts and Advice: Getting Involved

• Board candidacies are less about campaigning and more about stepping up when the time is right ([44:05], [44:22]).
• Both encourage colleagues to say yes to committee work, panel discussions, and leadership opportunities, emphasizing how valued every new voice and perspective is ([44:22]).
  • “Your participation, your expertise, your knowledge is so valued… Just say yes.” — Scott Gooding [44:22]

Notable Quotes

• “We’re stronger together.” — Scott Gooding [10:38]
• “We have more in common than we have differences.” — Scott Gooding [10:47]
• “It’s about strengthening the systems and relationships that support our school districts and ultimately students.” — Tara Van Dyke [40:49]
• “Stewardship of our financial resources, but it’s also stewardship of the trust our community has in us… It’s keeping the students at the center.” — Scott Gooding [41:44]

Important Timestamps

• [01:49] — Scott’s career journey and the impact of school finance
• [05:06] — Tara’s pathway to the ESD and the personal side of school business
• [09:33] — Scott reflects on mentorship and entering ASBO leadership
• [12:11] — Tara’s first exposure to and subsequent engagement with ASBO International
• [16:01] — Overview of the ASBO International Board’s function
• [18:20] — Making ASBO International truly international: listening, learning, and acting
• [21:26] — “Why now?” Scott and Tara on running for the ASBO International Board
• [27:05] — Ensuring representation for the whole association; the value of listening
• [28:57] — The greatest challenges facing school business and ASBO International
• [35:57] — Where the profession is heading in five years: innovation and constraint
• [40:49] — The meaning of service: mentorship and stewardship
• [41:44] — Scott’s personal ‘why’: direct student impact vs. financial management
• [44:22] — Final encouragement: say yes to leadership and involvement

Tone & Atmosphere

Warm, collegial, and deeply personal—both guests repeatedly stress humility, gratitude, and service. The conversation is rich with lived experience and practical advice for fellow professionals, marked by a spirit of encouragement and openness.

For Listeners

This episode is an essential listen for anyone considering ASBO service, leadership, or wanting a candid look at the values and challenges shaping school business today. From stories of personal mentorship to practical strategies for succession planning and innovation, the episode paints a holistic, hopeful vision for the future of the profession.