School Business Insider

Lou Pepe, the Director of Business Services at Southern Lehigh School District, shares his journey and insights on leadership in the educational sector. He discusses the qualities of a great leader in school business and the importance of communication, delegation, integrity, motivation, team building, empathy, flexibility, innovation, positivity, and vision. Lou also talks about his book 'Pathways to Leadership' and the key themes of pathfinding, trailblazing, pace setting, and voyaging. Lou Pepe shares insights on leadership, communication, financial management, and the role of a school business official. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the organization, effective communication, and the balance between financial management and educational goals. He also discusses the impact of leadership, the value of experience, and the misconceptions about the role of a school business official.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...

Dr. Timothy Unruh, the Executive Director of the National Association of Energy Service Companies, discusses the challenges that school districts face in maintaining and upgrading their facilities. These challenges include aging infrastructure, insufficient funds, and the impact of climate change. He highlights the importance of innovative financial strategies and partnerships, such as energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs) and collaborations with energy service companies (ESCOs), in revamping school infrastructure. Dr. Unruh also emphasizes the availability of tax credits and grants for funding these projects. He explains the process of procuring capital infrastructure and the benefits of design-build procurement. Additionally, he addresses concerns about the guarantee of energy savings in ESPCs and the impact of utility costs on these projects. In this conversation, Timothy Unruh discusses the involvement of the Department of Energy in performance contracts and the role of state energy offices. He explains how state and federal grants enhance the scope of projects and the importance of a strong partnership between school districts and ESCOs. Unruh also addresses the cost of working with an ESCO and the long-term relationship between the ESCO and the school district. He shares a success story of a project in the Little Rock School District and discusses the educational benefits of energy performance contracts. Unruh concludes by discussing emerging trends in the energy space and providing advice for school business officials interested in pursuing energy performance contracts.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...

This episode explores the world of school business literature with the Editorial Advisory Committee (EAC) of ASBO International. The EAC plays a crucial role in shaping the content of School Business Affairs Magazine and other publications. The committee generates ideas for articles, reviews submissions, and ensures that the content remains relevant and valuable to school business professionals. The EAC members discuss their experiences on the committee, the creative process of selecting and organizing articles, and the importance of providing diverse and valuable content to meet the needs of the association's membership. The EAC discusses the importance of relevancy and trends in the school business officials profession. They highlight topics such as financial management, mental health, work-life balance, and building relationships. The committee emphasizes the need for timely and timeless content in their publications. They also discuss the process of finding authors for articles, including reaching out to conference presenters and strategic partners. The committee members express their love for serving on the EAC and the value of networking and volunteerism. They encourage listeners to get involved and apply for positions on the committee.Want to get involved? Check out next steps, 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...

SummaryMike McCarthy, Director of Business and Administration at St. Johnsbury Academy, Jeju, shares insights into managing finances, operations, and resources in an international school setting in South Korea. He discusses the challenges of navigating language and cultural barriers, adapting to the regulatory landscape, and building trust with the national staff. McCarthy emphasizes the importance of respecting and understanding the Korean culture and traditions while integrating Westernized systems. He also talks about the unique financial challenges of an international school, including tuition as the primary revenue source and the budgeting process. St. Johnsbury Academy in Jeju, South Korea, is a unique international school that operates within a global education city. The school is supported by the Jeju International Schools, a governmental body that owns the land and buildings. The Jeju International Schools are involved in the daily operations and have certain regulations and limits that the school must adhere to. The school has a long-term plan to potentially expand its enrollment capacity and make enhancements to its facilities. They have recently invested in a million-dollar artificial turf field, which has opened up new possibilities for hosting tournaments and activities. The school also actively engages with the Jeju community through events, partnerships, and opening up their facilities to the public.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...

Today's conversation explores the topic of electric busing and the challenges and opportunities it presents for school districts. The panel of experts discusses the sweeping trends of electric busing nationwide, including the funding from the EPA and the political ramifications. They also touch on the logistical issues of infrastructure, training, and disposal of batteries. The implementation experiences of different districts are shared, highlighting the proactive approach to infrastructure upgrades and the importance of partnerships with utilities. The conversation also touches on the leasing model for acquiring electric buses and the success of electric busing in certain districts. The conversation explores the transition to electric buses in school transportation and its impact on drivers, student behavior, and cost of ownership. The first theme discussed is the initial challenges of finding drivers who were hesitant about the transition but eventually embraced the electric buses. The second theme focuses on the positive impact of electric buses on student behavior, with quieter buses leading to a decrease in behavior incidents. The third theme highlights the cost savings of electric buses compared to diesel buses, with significantly lower operating costs. Other topics discussed include the potential attraction of electric buses for younger drivers, the equity issue of diesel fumes affecting certain communities more than others, the importance of training and education for professionals in the industry, and the future evolution of alternative fuel methods in school transportation.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...

SummaryThe ASBO International Eagle Institute is a premier event designed specifically for school business officials seeking to elevate their skills, expand their knowledge, and connect with peers from around the globe. The Eagle Institute offers a unique professional development opportunity that combines leadership training with a focus on history. Attendees have the chance to learn from quality speakers, explore historical sites, and build relationships with colleagues. The Institute is open to school business officials, superintendents, and executive directors who are looking to enhance their leadership skills and make a positive impact in their organizations. The upcoming 2024 Eagle Institute will be held in Dearborn, Michigan from July 16th to 18th.Make sure to register before it's too late!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, the guests discuss the Secure Act 2.0 and its potential impact on public schools. They highlight the need for retirement planning in the education sector and the challenges faced by teachers relying solely on pension benefits. The Secure Act 2.0 aims to address these issues by providing opportunities for individuals to save more for retirement and offering additional benefits such as Roth provisions and student loan forgiveness. The legislation also includes provisions for in-service distributions and self-certification of hardships. The guests emphasize the importance of education and employer contributions in encouraging teachers to participate in retirement plans. The conversation discusses various provisions of the Secure Act 2.0 and their implications for retirement plans in the K-12 governmental space. The provisions include penalty-free withdrawals for FEMA declared disasters, Roth employer contributions, penalty-free withdrawals for personal family emergency expenses, elimination of required minimum distributions for Roth accounts, increase in age-based catch-up contributions, and concerns about fraud and misuse of funds. The importance of evaluating and educating employees on retirement plans is emphasized, as well as the potential for future legislation, such as Secure Act 3.0.TakeawaysThe Secure Act 2.0 is a legislation aimed at improving retirement planning in public schools.Teachers and school employees should not solely rely on pension benefits and should consider additional retirement savings.The legislation also includes provisions for in-service distributions and self-certification of hardships.Education and employer contributions play a crucial role in encouraging teachers to participate in retirement plans. The Secure Act 2.0 introduces several provisions that aim to enhance retirement plans in the K-12 governmental space.Administrative challenges and concerns about fraud and misuse of funds need to be addressed when implementing these provisions.School business officials should evaluate their retirement plans, educate employees on the changes, and consider collaborating with third-party administrators and providers to develop comprehensive educational 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...

SummaryIn this episode, representatives from ASBO International and ASBO New York share their insights into the operations and leadership of these associations. They discuss the mission and vision of ASBO International, the unique challenges faced by ASBO New York & state affiliates, and the strategic planning efforts of both organizations. The conversation also highlights the important work that goes on behind the scenes of associations, including the role of staff in providing support and resources to members. Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of the associations and their commitment to serving school business officials. The conversation highlights the appreciation for staff and the value they bring to associations. It emphasizes the importance of association events and the synergy between state and international associations. The role of the AEDG group and the ADG group is discussed, showcasing their significance in supporting associations. The conversation also emphasizes the role of members in supporting their respective associations and the importance of committee work in getting involved and making a difference.TakeawaysASBO International and ASBO New York are dedicated to supporting school business officials and providing valuable resources and professional development opportunities.The mission and vision of ASBO International focus on serving as the premier professional association for school business leaders and being a leading authority in the profession.State affiliates face unique challenges at the state level, including navigating state policies and addressing the diverse needs of its members.Both ASBO International and ASBO New York are engaged in strategic planning efforts to ensure they meet the evolving needs of their members and the profession.The work behind the scenes of associations involves a dedicated staff that collaborates to create the best member experience, plan conferences, and provide support and resources to members.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 three part episode, we have the privilege of speaking with three remarkable leaders who share their insights and experiences in addressing critical issues in education.In our first segment, we delve into the importance of collaborative partnerships in school business management with Panther Valley School District's initiative to address parking lot maintenance challenges. By partnering with local municipalities, the district not only saved costs but also enhanced resource utilization and service quality.Next, we explore Worcester Public Schools' transformative transportation initiative, which transitioned from contracted to district-operated transportation. This strategic move resulted in significant cost savings, allowing the district to reinvest in educational resources while improving transportation options and service quality for students.In our third segment, we celebrate Bayard Public Schools' innovative efforts , where they addressed childcare challenges through a collaborative partnership with the city. By establishing a community-owned childcare center within the elementary school, the district not only supported parents but also ensured consistent curriculum and care for children from birth through age five.TakeawaysCollaborative partnerships between school districts and local municipalities can lead to cost savings and improved service quality in areas such as maintenance and transportation.Transitioning from contracted to district-operated services, such as transportation, can result in significant cost savings, allowing districts to allocate resources more effectively and enhance services for students.Addressing childcare challenges through innovative partnerships not only supports parents in the community but also ensures consistent curriculum and care for children, contributing to their overall development and well-being.Strategic initiatives in school business management, such as the establishment of community-owned facilities and shared resource utilization, can have a transformative impact on both the educational system and the broader community.Do you have something innovative and special to share, worthy of the 2024 Pinnacle Award? Apply Here! The deadline is June 1, 2024!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...

SummaryStephen Morales, Chief Executive of the Institute of School Business Leadership, discusses the implementation of operational excellence in public education. Morales shares his background in education and his mission to improve the educational experience for students, educators, and communities. The conversation explores the challenges of balancing autonomy and accountability, the role of culture and technology in operational excellence, and the need for setting clear expectations and standards. In this conversation, Stephen Morales discusses the concept of operational excellence in education and its potential benefits. He emphasizes the need for leaders to be vulnerable and open to improvement, despite the challenges they face. He discusses the role of data in assessing and implementing operational excellence, emphasizing the need for meaningful conversations and actions based on the data. Morales shares his roadmap for implementing operational excellence and identifies milestones for success. He also discusses the role of school business officials in driving operational excellence and offers advice for those interested in exploring the topic further. Finally, Morales discusses the upcoming Institute of School Business Leadership conference and its focus on networking, inspiration, and subject matter expertise.TakeawaysOperational excellence can be applied to public education to improve efficiency, innovation, and continuous improvement.Balancing autonomy and accountability is a challenge in education, and finding the right level of freedom is crucial.Culture plays a significant role in operational excellence, and it is important to ensure alignment and commitment throughout the organization.Implementing operational excellence requires a holistic approach that includes all aspects of the organization, from teaching to ancillary services.Challenges to implementing operational excellence include resistance to change and the need to recognize the potential for improvement. Leaders in education need to be vulnerable and open to improvement, despite the challenges they face.The role of school business officials is central to implementing and ensuring the success of operational excellence.Exploring operational excellence can lead to improved outcomes for organizations and individuals in education.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...