Ready, Set, School: SBO Strategies for a Smooth Fall Start

Aug 5, 2025

Howie Barber, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations at Old Rochester Regional, shares his expertise on preparing schools for a smooth start. He discusses key topics like finalizing summer construction, mastering bus logistics, and optimizing food service readiness. Howie emphasizes the importance of adapting to last-minute changes and highlights effective communication with staff and parents. He also addresses safety preparedness, underscoring the necessity of collaboration with emergency services to ensure student well-being.

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ANECDOTE

Unexpected Audit Disrupts Day

Howie Barber shared a story about an auditor arriving unexpectedly early, complicating his schedule amid staffing shortages.
This illustrates the unpredictable and reactive nature of a school business official's role.

ADVICE

Daily Facilities Meetings Key

Meet daily with your facilities director during summer to coordinate capital projects.
Schedule projects strategically considering facility use, vendor availability, and season constraints for timely completion.

ADVICE

Over-Communicate Updates Often

Over-communicate project progress and delays to all administrators to ensure awareness and avoid surprises.
Use frequent meetings, group emails, and text messages for clear and transparent communication.

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In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Howie Barber, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations at Old Rochester Regional and MA Supervisory Union #55 in Massachusetts, to walk through the essential steps school business officials should take before students return to class.

From finalizing capital projects and updating safety plans to managing last-minute staffing and food service readiness, Howie shares his detailed approach to a successful school opening. You'll hear real-world advice on:

Wrapping up summer construction
Bus routing and transportation logistics
Coordinating with food service vendors
Handling audit season
Updating emergency protocols
Getting tech systems and HR processes aligned

Whether you’re a seasoned SBO or stepping into the role for the first time, this is your startup checklist in podcast form.

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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...