Energy projects in schools can do more than reduce costs — they can create powerful learning opportunities.

In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato talks with Dawn Johnson, Director of Customer Engagement at OPTERRA Energy Services, about how school districts can leverage energy initiatives to support sustainability, STE(A)M education, and community engagement.

They explore how clean energy projects become living laboratories for students, how priorities around energy have evolved over time, and what school leaders should consider as they evaluate their own energy programs.

This conversation offers a fresh perspective on how operational decisions can align with instructional goals and long-term district strategy.

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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...

The role of the school CFO is changing — and compliance alone is no longer enough.

In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Ahnaf Tahmid, CFO of South Bend Community School Corporation, to explore how school finance leaders can move beyond compliance to become true strategic partners.

Drawing from his School Business Now article, “The Strategic CFO: Moving Beyond Compliance to Build Capacity,” Ahnaf shares insights on financial leadership, organizational capacity building, and the skills CFOs need to support long-term district success.

This conversation is a must-listen for CFOs, SBOs, and aspiring leaders who want to elevate their impact and lead with purpose.

Contact School Business Insider:

• Check us out on social media:
  • LinkedIn
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• 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...

What if school business operations were designed for sustainability — not constant reaction?

In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Stephen Morales of the Institute for School Business Leadership and leaders from ASBO New York to discuss the launch of the Operational Excellence (OpEx) Pilot Program in New York State.

They explore what OpEx is, how data from ASBO New York’s State of the Profession Survey shaped the initiative, and how districts can use OpEx principles to strengthen systems, improve workflows, and build long-term capacity.

The conversation also highlights district-level application, including how Briarcliff Manor UFSD is engaging in OpEx work, and walks listeners through what to expect as the pilot program launches.

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...