School Business Insider

In a compelling discussion, Keith Krueger, CEO of the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), delves into the pressing issue of cybersecurity in K-12 schools. He highlights the alarming rise of ransomware attacks and shares best practices for safeguarding educational data. Keith emphasizes the necessity of multi-factor authentication and proactive training for staff and students. He also explores how emerging technologies impact security strategies, the vital role of funding for cybersecurity initiatives, and the importance of collaboration between school administrators and IT teams.

In this episode of School Business Insider, we take an in-depth look at the financial audit process and the essential relationship between school business officials and auditors. Our guests, Regina Sampson, Business Manager at Corbett School District in Oregon, and Jean Larson, Director of Government Resource Management & Senior Audit Manager at Umpqua Valley Financial, bring their wealth of experience to the discussion. Together, they explore the technical steps involved in a school district financial audit, share best practices for preparation, and highlight the importance of communication and trust in ensuring a smooth audit process. Regina and Jean also discuss common challenges, the role of technology in audits, and offer real-world examples of successful audits. Whether you're a seasoned school business official or new to the field, this episode provides valuable insights into navigating audits effectively and fostering strong auditor relationships.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, we’re giving you an exclusive preview of the 2024 ASBO International Conference and Expo, set to take place in Nashville, Tennessee, from September 18th to 20th. Join us as we speak with Jim Rowan, Executive Director of ASBO International, Cristin Watson, Director of Education, and Lorie Grooms, Director of Events, who share the immense effort and planning that goes into organizing this marquee event.We discuss the must-attend sessions, keynote speakers, and new features that attendees can look forward to this year. Our guests also highlight the importance of the conference for professional development, networking, and staying ahead in the world of school business management. Whether you’re a returning attendee or considering attending for the first time, this episode is packed with insights and tips to help you make the most of your experience in Nashville.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, we explore a story of perseverance, resilience, and career evolution with Brady Brucato, Coordinator of Sales & Relationship Management at PMA Financial Network, LLC. Brady shares her remarkable journey through the world of school business, from starting as a state aid planner at Questar III BOCES to her roles at ASBO New York, Forecast5, and Frontline Education. Despite facing significant challenges securing a school business official position in the competitive Westchester County, New York area, Brady remained positive and vigilant. She ultimately decided that being a school business official might not be her true calling and successfully transitioned to the private sector. In her current role, she continues to make a significant impact working with school districts across the country. Brady's story is an inspiring example of how to stay resilient and open to new opportunities when faced with career setbacks.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, we delve into the critical topic of long-range facilities planning with two experts from BLDD Architects. Join us as we sit down with Kayla Peck, an architectural designer, and Damien Schlitt, Director for K–12 and a principal at BLDD, to explore why comprehensive facilities planning is essential for the success and sustainability of educational environments.Kayla and Damien share their deep understanding of developing strategic plans that align school facilities with district goals and community needs. They discuss the importance of assessing current conditions, envisioning future needs, and leveraging innovative tools and data to make informed decisions. From community engagement to using the QLEO software for evaluating cost efficiency and functionality, this episode provides valuable insights and practical tips for school business officials.Whether you're an experienced school business official or new to the field, this conversation offers actionable advice on how to enhance your facilities planning process and ensure your school buildings meet the needs of students for generations to come.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 conversation, Jeff Laporta, the Executive Director of Maryland ASBO, discusses leadership lessons for school business officials and how they can be related to classic TV shows. Jeff shares his background and experience in school business administration and explains his journey towards becoming a better leader. He highlights the importance of combining great work with great leadership and the impact of ego on leadership effectiveness. Jeff also explains how he uses classic TV shows like The Twilight Zone and I Love Lucy to demonstrate leadership lessons and relates them to modern challenges faced by school business officials. He emphasizes the significance of communication, empathy, and managing workload in effective leadership. In this conversation, Jeff and John discuss the importance of effective communication and self-reflection in leadership. They highlight the need for leaders to explain the 'why' behind their decisions and projects, as well as the importance of building strong teams. They also discuss the challenges of balancing workload and the tendency to take on too much. Jeff emphasizes the need for leaders to listen actively and show empathy, while also recognizing that some individuals may be unleadable. Self-reflection is seen as a crucial aspect of personal and professional growth as a leader.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...

Amanda Verba, Chief Operations Officer at the Ithaca City School District, shares her journey of handling a failed budget vote and the challenges she faced. The budget process in New York requires a majority vote from registered voters to approve the budget. If the budget fails, the district has a condensed timeline to redevelop a budget and go back for another vote. Amanda discusses the factors that led to the failed budget, including an increase in property assessments and an aspirational goal of giving teachers a 20% raise. The community became fearful of the potential tax increases and scrutinized every line item in the budget. Amanda and her team worked to educate the community and address their concerns. Amanda Verba discusses her experience with budget challenges and community involvement in the education sector. She shares how budgets were previously passing with strong community support, but then faced a significant decline in approval. Verba talks about the difficulties of combating misinformation and the personal toll it took on her. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's values and finding strength in challenging times. Verba also discusses the process of developing a new budget and the need to check assumptions and align with community needs.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 conversation, Tim Hilker and Christine DeMass, two School Business Officials who have served and will be serving on the ASBO New York Board of Directors discuss their backgrounds, their involvement with ASBO New York and ASBO International, and their experiences as board members. Tim shares advice for new board members and highlights the close relationships and sea of change within the organization. Christine talks about her motivation to join the board and her desire to have a voice in shaping the future of ASBO. They also discuss the importance of advocacy and the challenges of balancing board responsibilities with personal and professional commitments. The conversation explores the evolving role of school business officials and the ways in which the association can support their needs. The topics discussed include the delineation of roles between the board and executive director, the challenges faced by school business officials in central New York, the increasing workload and need for professional development, the importance of volunteerism, and the legacy that the guests hope to leave behind. The conversation highlights the desire for more leadership and soft skills training, as well as the value of networking and learning from real-life examples.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 conversation, Jim Spellos, the president of Meeting U, shares insights on the transformative world of artificial intelligence and its potential to revolutionize school business operations. He discusses the background of AI, generative AI, traditional AI, and the differences between them. He also explores the use of AI in education, the challenges of AI detection, and the future of AI in the job market. Additionally, he provides valuable tips on how to prompt AI effectively for optimal results. The conversation delves into the practical applications of generative AI, its impact on school business officials, and the ethical considerations surrounding its use. It explores the benefits, challenges, and potential of AI in education and administrative tasks.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...

SummaryIn this episode, representatives from GOVMVMT discuss the importance of cooperative purchasing for public school districts. They explain how cooperative purchasing can streamline procurement processes, increase cost savings, and provide access to a wider range of goods and services. The mechanics of cooperative purchasing are explored, including the role of lead agencies and the compliance requirements. The guests also discuss when school districts should consider cooperative purchasing and how to choose the right cooperative. The current state of the market is examined, with a focus on the increasing participation in cooperative purchasing agreements. The conversation explores the benefits of cooperative purchasing agreements for suppliers, including savings, better pricing, and reduced fees. It also discusses the types of suppliers and their engagement in cooperative contracts. The limitations of cooperative purchasing are highlighted, such as specialized products or services that may not fit the bill. The conversation delves into the increasing demand for zero emission vehicles and the infrastructure challenges associated with them. The networking and collaborative nature of cooperative purchasing organizations is emphasized, providing a platform for professionals to share ideas and support each other. The challenges faced by school business officials in implementing cooperative purchasing agreements are discussed, along with success stories that demonstrate the cost savings and value provided by GOVMVMT.TakeawaysCooperative purchasing allows public school districts to streamline procurement processes, increase cost savings, and access a wider range of goods and services.Lead agencies play a crucial role in cooperative purchasing, conducting the solicitation process and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.School districts should consider cooperative purchasing for commonly used products and services to save time and resources.When choosing a cooperative, it is important to look for a nonprofit organization that prioritizes the needs of public agencies and maintains high compliance standards.The market for cooperative purchasing is growing, with increasing participation from both school districts and suppliers.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...