School Business Insider

Skilled trades are no longer just an operational concern — they’re a strategic budget issue.
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Chuck Luchen, retired National Strategic Account Director at Staples Business, to discuss why skilled trades must be part of school districts’ financial planning for 2026–2027.
Based on Chuck’s School Business Now article, the conversation explores workforce shortages, rising costs, deferred maintenance risks, and how school business officials can proactively budget and plan for facilities and operations needs.
This episode offers timely insights for SBOs looking to align workforce realities with long-term financial sustainability.

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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 is joined by Dr. Ron Clamser of Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES to reflect on ASBO New York’s Advocacy Day and examine what makes advocacy effective for school business officials.
They discuss the advocacy process, legislator reactions to ASBO New York’s priority list, and the realities behind issues like Foundation Aid, UPK mandates, zero-emission bus requirements, and local efficiencies. The conversation also tackles the big question many SBOs ask: Does advocacy really work?
This episode offers insight, encouragement, and practical perspective for anyone involved — or considering getting involved — in education advocacy.

Contact School Business Insider:
Check us out on social media: LinkedIn
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Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI
Email: [email protected]
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...

AI adoption in schools is no longer theoretical — it’s happening, unevenly and imperfectly, across the public sector.
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Aziz Agayev and Jamal Amanoa of flowlyst to discuss what AI adoption really looks like in education and public-sector organizations today.
They explore common challenges and concerns, practical use cases that are saving time and reducing rework, and lessons learned from districts already using AI. The conversation also introduces the TADA framework, discusses beginner and advanced AI skills, and examines how leaders can ensure quality, consistency, security, and responsible AI use — including recent updates to ChatGPT for K–12.
This episode offers a grounded, experience-based look at moving from AI experimentation to confident, intentional adoption.

Contact School Business Insider:
Check us out on social media: LinkedIn
Twitter (X)

Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI
Email: [email protected]
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...

Student privacy is no longer a background issue — it’s a front-line leadership challenge.
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato is joined by Amelia Vance, President of the Public Interest Privacy Center, to unpack the rapidly changing student privacy landscape.
They explore the patchwork of federal and state privacy laws, recent enforcement actions, growing scrutiny of AI and edtech, and rising parental concerns about data collection and consent. Amelia also shares practical guidance for CFOs and school business officials on managing risk, evaluating technology, and communicating transparently with their communities.
This episode offers timely insights for leaders navigating technology decisions in an era of heightened accountability and public trust.

Contact School Business Insider:
Check us out on social media: LinkedIn
Twitter (X)

Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI
Email: [email protected]
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...

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.

Contact School Business Insider:
Check us out on social media: LinkedIn
Twitter (X)

Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI
Email: [email protected]
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...