School Business Insider

Leadership, family, and finding balance — what does it really look like in practice?In this solo episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato steps away from the interviews to share personal reflections on managing family life, leadership, and self in the midst of constant motion.John recently welcomed his second child and offers an honest look at what it means to balance professional ambition with parenting, partnership, and personal identity.It’s a candid, heartfelt reflection on grace, growth, and redefining what success and balance truly mean.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...

Career journeys are never linear — they’re built on experiences, lessons, and sometimes big leaps of faith.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato talks with Rubie Harris, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Management Services at Huntington Union Free School District in New York. With more than a decade of experience in school business, Rubie shares her professional journey, the challenges and opportunities of relocating across the state to a new district, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.She also looks ahead to her future goals and reflects on the leadership values that continue to shape her career.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...

Schools are running out of land—but that doesn’t mean growth has to stop. Vertical design offers a compelling alternative for districts dealing with tight sites, rising costs, and changing educational requirements.In this episode of School Business Insider, we sit down with Kurt Peeters and Matt McGregor of Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc., authors of “The Vertical Advantage.” They take us through the practical, operational, and fiscal benefits of multi‑story school buildings—using the Tomorrow River case study and design best practices. If you’re involved in facilities, planning, or district leadership, this episode offers tools and strategy for reimagining school spaces for the future.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...

It’s almost time for ASBO International’s Annual Conference & Expo (AC&E 2025), happening October 21–23 in Fort Worth, Texas, with pre-conference workshops on October 20.In this episode, School Business Insider host John Brucato is joined by Cristin Watson, Lori Grooms, and Angie Smith from ASBO International to preview the event. Together, they highlight the theme “Navigate: Leading the Journey to Growth,” spotlight educational sessions and workshops, discuss networking and expo hall highlights, and share practical tips for both first-time and veteran attendees.Whether you’re already registered or still considering it, this episode is your guide to getting the most out of AC&E 2025.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...

School buildings are the backbone of learning environments—but too often, districts lack the funding clarity, planning tools, or support they need to modernize facilities. That’s where the National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI) comes in.In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato speaks with Dr. Jeff Vincent, Director of NCSI, and Jo Ann Armstrong, CSBO, Chief Financial & Operations Officer at Belvidere CUSD 100 and NCSI advisory committee member. They explore how the Center is helping districts tackle challenges from indoor air quality and energy efficiency to facility master planning, resilience, and equity.The conversation covers:Why the U.S. Department of Education created NCSI and what it aims to achieveHow the resource library and interactive data dashboard provide actionable toolsReal examples from Belvidere’s 10-year facilities plan across aging buildingsOpportunities for school business leaders to engage with NCSIWhether you’re managing deferred maintenance, planning capital strategy, or making the case for better infrastructure, this episode offers both inspiration and practical next steps.Resources & LinksNational Center on School Infrastructure: school-infrastructure.orgResource Library: Explore ResourcesNCSI Podcast Stretched + Fall 2025 Webinar SeriesContact 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...

Enrollment is shrinking—and the pressure is on. But that doesn’t mean school districts need to cut blindly. It means they need to plan smart.In this episode, Dr. Marguerite Roza of Georgetown University’s Edunomics Lab joins School Business Insider to discuss what she calls “The Big Shrink”—a long-term, nationwide enrollment decline—and how school systems can respond with strategy rather than panic.She shares a roadmap for rethinking staffing models, evaluating programs for value, and leading through change with clarity and purpose.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...

School safety is not waiting for permission, it’s urgent. In this episode of School Business Insider, John Brucato talks with Frank Guglieri, Director of Regional Safety Services at PNW BOCES, about rapid, real-world responses to recent crises like the Minneapolis school mass shooting and corrective action in cases of credible internal threats.They unpack what happens when crisis hits, what gaps become painfully clear, and how school business officials, operations leaders, CFOs, and SBOs can lead preparation and response. You’ll walk away with actionable insights for strengthening alert systems, communications, interdepartmental drills, and districtwide readiness.Check out the Prevention, Preparedness, Partnerships and Pathways ForwardSchool Safety Benchmarks 2025-2026 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...

In this engaging discussion, Johnty Mongan, Global Head of Cyber Risk Management at Gallagher Cyber Risk Management, reveals critical insights into the increasing threat of cyber attacks on schools. He explains why schools are prime targets for criminals and the devastating impacts of such attacks. Johnty covers the key steps schools can take to defend against these threats, emphasizing the importance of training and tactical safeguards like multi-factor authentication. His expertise sheds light on the chaos of initial responses and the crucial long-term effects on communities.

School districts have a unique opportunity to save money as they transition to electric buses and charging infrastructure. Through the federal 45W Clean Vehicle Credit and 30C Refueling Property Credit, districts can access up to $40,000 per bus and $100,000 per charger—but these tax credits are set to expire soon.In this episode of School Business Insider, John Brucato speaks with Katherine Roboff (World Resources Institute’s Electric School Bus Initiative) and Carolina Chacon Mendoza (Alliance for Electric School Buses). They explain eligibility, how elective pay works for tax-exempt entities, and the step-by-step IRS process to claim these funds.We also discuss how districts can combine these tax credits with EPA’s Clean School Bus Program and why planning ahead for infrastructure and community engagement is critical. Whether your district is just beginning to explore electrification or already has buses and chargers on order, this episode provides timely, practical guidance to ensure you don’t leave money on the table.Resources Mentioned:IRS 45W FAQAlliance for Electric School BusesElectric School Bus Initiative (WRI)Recording and slides from WRI’s 45W webinarIRA and CHIPS Act of 2022 Pre-filing Registration Tool (IRS)IRS: Elective Pay and TransferabilityIRS: Elective Pay Pre-Filing ToolLawyers for Good Government — Annotated Tax FormsLawyers for Good Government — Updates to Elective Pay Tax Credits30C Eligible Census Tracts Mapping Tool (ANL)Sample Filing Walkthrough (not tax advice)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...

In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with members of ASBO International’s Legislative Advocacy Committee (LAC) — Brandy Smith (Montoursville Area School District, PA), Erik Roush (Columbus City Schools, OH), Chris Smith (Katy ISD, TX), and Brian Cechnicki (ASBO New York). Together, they reflect on the 2025 Legislative Advocacy Conference and share why advocacy at the federal level is essential for protecting school funding and supporting students.From Hill Day stories on Capitol Hill to insights on building effective relationships with lawmakers, the panel highlights how SBOs can communicate the impact of federal funding decisions on their schools, and why now is such a critical moment to raise our voices for public education.You’ll hear:Key takeaways from the 2025 Legislative Advocacy ConferenceThe power of storytelling and relationships in effective advocacyHow SBOs can make their voices heard in WashingtonSuccesses from this year’s advocacy, including protecting education fundingAdvice for SBOs who want to get started in advocacyIf this conversation inspires you to get involved, explore these resources from ASBO International:Visit the ASBO Advocacy Center for information and resources on our advocacy priorities.Join the Legislative Affairs Community on ASBO’s Network to access policy alerts, blogs, and advocacy opportunities.Watch ASBO’s on-demand webinar: Summer Fun(ding) Forecast for SBOs for an August federal update from ASBO’s Director of Advocacy.Save the date for the 2026 AASA/ASBO Legislative Advocacy Conference, July 7–9, in Washington, D.C.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...