In this solo episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato reflects on a remarkable transformation in his district—from the failure of a $36 million bond in 2018 to the successful completion of a $27 million capital project in 2024. With no tax increase and overwhelming community support, this journey was built on trust, transparency, and thoughtful planning.

John shares actionable lessons in stakeholder engagement, strategic communication, and financial stewardship that helped restore confidence and unify a once-divided community. Whether you're facing a tough bond climate or seeking to strengthen public trust, this episode offers real-world insights for school business leaders at every level.

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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 episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Mary Ellen Normen, a retired school business official blazing new trails in the world of artificial intelligence. With presentations at ASBO and AASA conferences and a widely-read article on AI in school business, Mary Ellen unpacks how SBOs can use AI tools for budgeting, facilities, communications, and strategic planning.

From ethical guardrails to getting started with your first AI prompt, this episode is a practical and inspiring roadmap for school business leaders navigating one of the most significant shifts in our profession.

Listen now to learn how to leverage AI — wisely, ethically, and effectively.

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 engages in a heartfelt conversation with Peter Bard, CFO of East Stroudsburg Area School District. Peter shares his personal experiences with mental health challenges, the impact on his professional life, and his journey towards healing and advocacy. This discussion sheds light on the importance of mental well-being in the high-stakes world of school business leadership and offers insights into creating supportive environments for professionals.

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 speaks with Brandy N. Smith, PCSBA, and Baillie M. Nash, SFO, recent recipients of the ASBO International Emerging Leaders Scholarship. They discuss their career journeys, the impact of the scholarship on their professional development, and the importance of networking in the field of school business. This conversation offers valuable insights for aspiring school business officials and those looking to support emerging leaders in their organizations.

📥 Apply today: https://www.asbointl.org/web/Web/Awards/Scholarship/Emerging_Leaders_Scholarship.aspx

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 engages in a compelling conversation with Cheryl Campbell, Chief Operating Officer at Thomas Tallis School in London and a leading advocate for mentorship in the school business profession. Cheryl shares her personal journey, insights on establishing effective mentoring relationships, and the pivotal role mentorship plays in professional development and fostering diversity in leadership. Discover practical strategies for initiating and sustaining impactful mentorships that can shape the future of school business leadership.

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...

In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Jeff LaPorta, Executive Director of Maryland ASBO, and Libby Hillard, School Business Administrator and incoming Vice President of MD ASBO, to explore the intricacies of the 71st Annual Spring Conference. They discuss the inspiration behind this year's theme, "Discover a Sea of Knowledge," the meticulous planning that goes into organizing the event, and MD ASBO's steadfast commitment to professional development. Gain insights into how MD ASBO fosters a thriving community of school business professionals dedicated to excellence in education.

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 engages with legal expert Dr. Charles J. Russo to dissect a landmark Supreme Court case that could redefine the intersection of public education funding and religious institutions. The case centers on Oklahoma's attempt to establish St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual Charter School, raising pivotal questions about the constitutionality of state-funded religious charter schools.

Dr. Russo provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal arguments, historical precedents, and potential implications for school business officials nationwide. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, or stakeholder in public education, this discussion offers critical insights into a case that could reshape the educational landscape.

Stay informed and prepared for the outcomes that may emerge from this significant legal battle.

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 Elleka Yost, ASBO’s Director of Advocacy & Research, along with Trisha Schock and Jeff Hollamon, Chair and Vice Chair of the Legislative Advisory Committee (LAC), to explore what ASBO International is doing to protect and promote education funding at the federal level.

They discuss the 2025–2026 U.S. policy priorities, key legislative issues impacting school districts—from IDEA and Title I to AI, student meals, and loan forgiveness—and how the LAC builds bipartisan consensus on tough issues. You’ll also get an inside look at the upcoming Legislative Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. this July, and learn how you can get involved and make your voice heard.

Whether you're a veteran advocate or just getting started, this episode offers practical insights and timely updates from the frontlines of federal education policy.

🎧 Learn more at asbointl.org/advocacy

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...