Podcast
School Business Insider
Hosted by John Brucato · EN
ASBO International's official podcast. Each week we sit down down with school business professionals and industry experts from around the world to share their stories and explore the topics that matter most to you.
90episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The School Food Procurement Puzzle: Challenges, Solutions & Innovation
Apr 1, 202500:47:10Summary readyFood procurement is one of the biggest challenges facing school business officials today. Between regulatory red tape, supply chain disruptions, and vendor relationships, school districts must navigate a complex system to ensure students receive nutritious meals.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Sacha Pouliot, SFO/RSBA, and Darin Crawford, MBA, RTSBA, to break down their work with the Food Advisory Procurement Workgroup. Together, they explore: Common procurement hurdles and inefficiencies Why schools can be “less-than-ideal” customers for vendors The impact of regulatory complexity on food sourcing The need for plain language and better vendor-school collaboration How electronic bidding & standardization can improve procurementIf your district is looking to streamline the RFP process, improve vendor relationships, and navigate food procurement more effectively, this episode is a must-listen!Contact School Business Insider: Check us out on social media: LinkedIn Twitter (X) Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI Email: podcast@asbointl.org Make sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes!Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Association of School Business Officials International. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "ASBO International" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. The presence of any advertising does not endorse, or imply endorsement of, any products or services by ASBO International.ASBO International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and does not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. The sharing of news or information concerning public policy issues or political campaigns and candidates are not, and should not be construed as, endorsements by ASBO Internatio...
SummaryHealthy School Meals for All: What’s at Stake in Washington
Apr 1, 202500:42:00Summary readySchool nutrition programs are under threat — and school business officials need to be prepared. In this episode of School Business Insider, we speak with Crystal FitzSimons, interim President of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), about the latest policy proposals in Washington that could impact access to school meals.Crystal breaks down potential changes to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and income verification requirements, and explains how these would affect school budgets and students’ access to healthy food. She also shares resources that school leaders can use to improve meal access and effectively advocate for nutrition programs in their districts.Whether you're new to advocacy or deeply involved in child nutrition programs, this conversation will give you the insights and tools you need to protect the meals your students depend on.Contact School Business Insider: Check us out on social media: LinkedIn Twitter (X) Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI Email: podcast@asbointl.org Make sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes!Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Association of School Business Officials International. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "ASBO International" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. The presence of any advertising does not endorse, or imply endorsement of, any products or services by ASBO International.ASBO International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and does not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. The sharing of news or information concerning public policy issues or political campaigns and candidates are not, and should not be construed as, endorsements by ASBO Internatio...
SummaryBeyond the Buzzwords: Real AI Solutions for School Business Officials
Mar 25, 202501:01:35Summary readyArtificial intelligence is here, and it’s changing the way school business officials operate—if they know how to use it effectively. In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Aziz Aghayev, CEO of Flowist, to discuss how AI is transforming school finance operations, from budget forecasting to policy creation and meeting summaries.Aziz shares: The Five Phases of AI Adoption SBOs go through How AI can boost productivity and reduce manual workload Practical use cases for ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and more The biggest misconceptions and fears about AI in education Time-saving hacks that can revolutionize your workflowAI Tools Mentioned in This Episode: 🔹 ChatGPT – AI-powered assistant for text-based tasks (OpenAI) 🔹 Gemini – Google's AI for education and workflow automation (Google Gemini) 🔹 Perplexity AI – AI-powered research tool with sources (Perplexity AI) 🔹 Notebook LM – AI-powered document summarization and learning (Google Notebook LM) 🔹 Zapier – Workflow automation for integrating apps (Zapier) 🔹 Make.com – AI-driven task automation (Make.com) 🔹 Suno AI – AI-generated music for creative and professional use (Suno AI) 🔹 Fireflies.ai – AI meeting transcription and note-taking (Fireflies.ai) 🔹 Fathom – AI-powered meeting summarization (Fathom) 🔹 Google Sheets AI – AI-powered spreadsheet automation (Google Workspace) 🔹 Operator (ChatGPT) – AI automation for browser tasks (Coming soon to OpenAI Pro users)If you’re curious about AI but unsure where to start, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help SBOs move from frustration to efficiency. Tune in now!Contact School Business Insider: Check us out on social media: LinkedIn Twitter (X) Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI Email: podcast@asbointl.org Make sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes!Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Association of School Business Officials International. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "ASBO International" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. The presence of any advertising does not endorse, or imply endorsement of, any products or services by ASBO International.ASBO International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and does not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. The sharing of news or information concerning public policy issues or political campaigns and candidates are not, and should not be construed as, endorsements by ASBO Internatio...
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Operational Excellence in Schools: A Year of Progress & What’s Next
Mar 18, 202500:40:30Summary readyOperational excellence has transformed industries like manufacturing and healthcare, but what about education? Can schools apply these same principles to streamline operations, maximize resources, and improve student outcomes?In this follow-up conversation, I reconnect with Stephen Morales, Chief Executive of the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) in the UK, to revisit our discussion on Operational Excellence (OPEX) in schools and explore how the movement has evolved over the past year.We dive into the progress that’s been made since our last conversation, how schools and districts are responding to OPEX, and the biggest challenges in implementing these strategies. Stephen also shares insights into how early adopters are embedding OPEX into their strategic plans, what measurable impacts are emerging, and what’s next for expanding this approach internationally.If you’re looking for ways to improve efficiency, eliminate wasted effort, and foster a more strategic, data-driven approach to school business operations, this episode is a must-listen.Contact School Business Insider: Check us out on social media: LinkedIn Twitter (X) Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI Email: podcast@asbointl.org Make sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes!Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Association of School Business Officials International. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "ASBO International" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. The presence of any advertising does not endorse, or imply endorsement of, any products or services by ASBO International.ASBO International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and does not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. The sharing of news or information concerning public policy issues or political campaigns and candidates are not, and should not be construed as, endorsements by ASBO Internatio...
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Strengthening School Leadership, Part 2: Budgeting & Resource Management
Mar 11, 202500:54:19Summary readyFinancial uncertainty is a constant challenge for school business officials, but how districts respond to it can determine long-term success. Instead of simply reacting to budget shortfalls, SBOs must take a strategic approach to resource allocation and financial planning. In this episode, Jonathan Travers, President & Managing Partner of Consulting at Education Resource Strategies (ERS), shares insights on managing financial uncertainty, using return on investment to guide budgeting decisions, and building long-term sustainability rather than making short-term cuts. He also discusses common mistakes districts make when facing budget constraints and how ERS provides tools and frameworks to help SBOs optimize financial strategies. Whether you’re preparing for future funding shifts or trying to stabilize your district’s finances, this episode offers practical insights that will help you make more informed, data-driven decisions.Resources:ERS SSROI Tool KitBudget Hold'emContact School Business Insider: Check us out on social media: LinkedIn Twitter (X) Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI Email: podcast@asbointl.org Make sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes!Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Association of School Business Officials International. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "ASBO International" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. The presence of any advertising does not endorse, or imply endorsement of, any products or services by ASBO International.ASBO International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and does not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. The sharing of news or information concerning public policy issues or political campaigns and candidates are not, and should not be construed as, endorsements by ASBO Internatio...
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Strengthening School Leadership, Part 1: Ethics & Decision-Making
Mar 4, 202500:54:39Summary readyStrong leadership is tested in challenging times. With shifting policies, financial strain, and increasing accountability, school business officials must make critical decisions that impact their districts, staff, and students. But how can SBOs maintain composure, ethics, and strategic clarity when facing these pressures?In Part 1 of our two-part series on Strengthening School Leadership, Jim Rowan, Executive Director of ASBO International joins us to discuss how SBOs can lead effectively through financial uncertainty, political shifts, and difficult decision-making scenarios.Key Topics Covered:✅ How to lead with confidence and composure during times of change✅ The role of ethics in school business decision-making✅ Strategies for maintaining trust and transparency with stakeholders✅ How SBOs can advocate for their districts despite financial and policy challenges✅ Practical leadership tools to help navigate uncertainty with clarityPart 2 will focus on budget strategies and financial decision-making with Jonathan Travers from Education Resource Strategies (ERS)—helping SBOs optimize resources, navigate budget shortfalls, and build financial sustainability.Contact School Business Insider: Check us out on social media: LinkedIn Twitter (X) Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI Email: podcast@asbointl.org Make sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes!Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Association of School Business Officials International. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "ASBO International" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. The presence of any advertising does not endorse, or imply endorsement of, any products or services by ASBO International.ASBO International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and does not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. The sharing of news or information concerning public policy issues or political campaigns and candidates are not, and should not be construed as, endorsements by ASBO Internatio...
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Building Better Budgets: Insights for School Business Leaders
Feb 25, 202501:03:15Summary readyBudgeting in a school district isn’t just about balancing the books—it’s about making strategic financial decisions that ensure long-term stability, transparency, and alignment with district goals. With fluctuating funding, increasing costs, and growing stakeholder expectations, school business officials must be proactive in their approach to financial planning.In this episode of School Business Insider, Bob Saul, Business Administrator and Board Treasurer at East Penn School District in Pennsylvania, joins us to share best practices for school budgeting, avoiding common financial pitfalls, and effectively communicating budget decisions to stakeholders.🎙 Topics Covered:✅ The key principles of effective school budgeting✅ Avoiding financial missteps that can impact long-term stability✅ How to navigate financial constraints and optimize resources✅ Communicating complex budget decisions clearly and effectively✅ The role of long-range financial planning in ensuring fiscal responsibilityContact School Business Insider: Check us out on social media: LinkedIn Twitter (X) Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI Email: podcast@asbointl.org Make sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes!Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Association of School Business Officials International. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "ASBO International" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. The presence of any advertising does not endorse, or imply endorsement of, any products or services by ASBO International.ASBO International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and does not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. The sharing of news or information concerning public policy issues or political campaigns and candidates are not, and should not be construed as, endorsements by ASBO Internatio...
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Navigating Economic Uncertainty: What School Business Officials Need to Know
Feb 18, 202500:50:39Summary readyEconomic conditions are constantly shifting, and school districts must navigate interest rates, inflation, and policy decisions to make sound financial choices. With a new White House administration and evolving market trends, school business officials need to stay ahead of economic trends to manage investments, control costs, and plan for the future.In this episode of School Business Insider, we’re joined by John Huber, SVP & Chief Investment Officer at PMA Asset Management, Kendra Shelland, VP & Institutional Portfolio Manager at PMA, and Michele Wiberg, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at PMA Financial Network. Together, they break down how the economy is influencing school finance, the cost of doing business, investment opportunities, and the risks and opportunities ahead for school districts.We’ll also discuss the latest PMA Winter 2025 Market Outlook, which explores inflationary pressures, interest rate changes, and fiscal policy shifts that may impact schools in the coming year. Whether you're managing a school district’s investments, planning for financial stability, or just trying to understand how policy shifts might affect your budget, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate economic uncertainty.Built by Bonds WebsiteContact School Business Insider: Check us out on social media: LinkedIn Twitter (X) Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI Email: podcast@asbointl.org Make sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes!Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Association of School Business Officials International. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "ASBO International" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. The presence of any advertising does not endorse, or imply endorsement of, any products or services by ASBO International.ASBO International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and does not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. The sharing of news or information concerning public policy issues or political campaigns and candidates are not, and should not be construed as, endorsements by ASBO Internatio...
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Breaking the Bias: Gender and Salary Negotiations in School Business
Feb 11, 202500:37:10Summary readySalary negotiations should be about qualifications and experience, but research shows that gender bias plays a significant role in the outcomes—even in school business leadership. So how does gender influence pay in the education sector, and what can be done to close the gap?In this episode of School Business Insider, we sit down with Dr. Ron Clamser, Assistant Superintendent for Business at Putnam | Northern Westchester BOCES, to explore the findings of his dissertation, The Effect of Gender Bias on Salary Negotiation Outcomes. Dr. Clamser shares key insights from his research, discusses how bias influences salary negotiations in school finance, and provides an update on how these issues have evolved since he first conducted his study.Whether you’re negotiating your own salary, advocating for pay equity, or looking to understand the broader implications of gender bias in leadership, this episode delivers data-driven insights, real-world examples, and practical strategies.Contact School Business Insider: Check us out on social media: LinkedIn Twitter (X) Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI Email: podcast@asbointl.org Make sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes!Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Association of School Business Officials International. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "ASBO International" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. The presence of any advertising does not endorse, or imply endorsement of, any products or services by ASBO International.ASBO International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and does not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. The sharing of news or information concerning public policy issues or political campaigns and candidates are not, and should not be construed as, endorsements by ASBO Internatio...
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You Bring the Weather: Inside the High Performance Leadership Academy
Feb 4, 202500:59:00Summary readyGreat 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 International High Performance Leadership Academy, a program designed to equip school business and education leaders with the skills they need to lead with confidence and impact.Joining us are Sabrina S. Soto, CAE, Chief Development Officer at ASBO International; Amanda Grace Wing, Deputy Executive Director & COO at ASBO New York; and Tim Rahschulte, CEO at Professional Development Academy. Together, they break down the structure of the program, discuss why leadership training is essential for school business officials, and share success stories from participants who have transformed their careers through this initiative.If you're looking to enhance your leadership skills, gain insights from top executives, and advance your career in school business, this episode is a must-listen!Found out more about the HPLA program and register for 2025, here!Contact School Business Insider: Check us out on social media: LinkedIn Twitter (X) Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI Email: podcast@asbointl.org Make sure to like, subscribe and share for more great insider episodes!Disclaimer:The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the Association of School Business Officials International. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "ASBO International" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. The presence of any advertising does not endorse, or imply endorsement of, any products or services by ASBO International.ASBO International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and does not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elective public office. The sharing of news or information concerning public policy issues or political campaigns and candidates are not, and should not be construed as, endorsements by ASBO Internatio...
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