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.

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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...

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:

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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...

In this solo, year-in-review episode, host John Brucato reflects on the conversations, themes, and lessons that defined the podcast in 2025 — a year that also saw the release of its 100th episode.

John shares highlights from across the year, explores the biggest themes shaping school business leadership, and offers a candid look at what he’s hearing from colleagues in the field. He also dives into the numbers behind the show, including 16,798 downloads in 2025, listeners across the U.S. and around the world, and the growing reach of the School Business Insider community.

From leadership and culture to change management, innovation, and the human side of the work, this episode is both a reflection on the year behind us and a look ahead to what’s next.

Whether you’ve listened to every episode or are just discovering the podcast, Wrapped! 2025 is a celebration of the people, ideas, and conversations that continue to shape the school business profession.

Contact School Business Insider:

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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...

Every school business official remembers their first few years — the learning curve, the pressure, and the moments that shape who they become as leaders.

In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by John Fink of Cornwall Central School District and Chris Carballo of Highland Falls–Fort Montgomery CSD — two relatively new SBOs who came to the role from very different professional paths.

They reflect on mentorship, work–family balance, business office culture, collegial relationships, and the difference between planned change and the unexpected challenges that define early leadership in school business.

It’s an honest, reflective conversation for anyone navigating — or considering — the SBO role.

Contact School Business Insider:

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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...

Healthcare costs continue to rise, and employee expectations are evolving just as quickly.

In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Eric Gilbert and Adam Hensen from Daybright Financial to break down the state of school employee healthcare in 2025.

They discuss the trends driving costs, how employee expectations have changed, and what school business officials can do to balance fiscal responsibility with providing meaningful, competitive benefits.

With Eric’s strategic insights and Adam’s data-driven perspective, this conversation connects the numbers, the people, and the policies shaping the future of school district healthcare.

Contact School Business Insider:

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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...

In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with John Vetter, Regional Sales Director at Centegix, to explore how school districts are prioritizing safety, how budgets reflect those decisions, and how wearable technology is shifting the conversation from reaction to readiness. They discuss district perspectives on safety funding, the impact of panic-button wearables, implementation challenges, and what school business officials should focus on now and in the years ahead.

Contact School Business Insider:

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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...

The most valuable resource in school business isn’t a tool or a budget — it’s the people you can lean on.

In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Cindy Reilmann, CFO of the Special School District of St. Louis County, to discuss their School Business Now article, “Lean On Me: Building Your Professional Network.”

Together, they explore the role of professional connections in building confidence, sharing solutions, and finding community in a complex and demanding profession. From mentorship to the ASBO Global School Business Network, they highlight the power of leaning on — and lifting up — each other.

Contact School Business Insider:

• Check us out on social media:
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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...