In this episode, John Brucato interviews Cindy Reilmann, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services/CFO at the Ferguson Florissant School District. They discuss Cindy's transition from a higher wealth district to a higher needs district and the challenges and opportunities that come with it. They also explore the role of school business officials in impacting student achievement and managing resources in different districts. Cindy shares her first impressions of her new district and the importance of culture. They also discuss the balance between budget constraints and teacher salaries. In this conversation, Cindy Reilmann and John Brucato discuss various aspects of education, including attracting teachers, marketing teaching as a career, teacher pensions, competition for talent, cultural differences in school districts, implementing new software, strategic decision making for cost savings, and a friendly football rivalry between the Chiefs and the Bills.

Takeaways

• Transitioning to a new district can be an eye-opening experience, allowing school business officials to gain a broader perspective on student needs and district management.
• School business officials play a crucial role in managing resources to support student achievement, from personnel to supplies and technology.
• Culture and narrative are important considerations when transitioning to a new district, as they can impact community perception and student success.
• Balancing budgets and teacher salaries can be a challenge, especially in higher needs districts where resources may be limited.
• Building strong relationships and empowering staff members are key to successfully managing resources and achieving district goals. Passion for educating kids and making a difference in their lives is a key requirement for being a teacher.
• Promoting the benefits of teaching, such as pension plans, can help attract more people to the profession.
• Competition for talent in education is increasing, with districts trying to attract and retain teachers.
• Cultural differences between affluent and high needs districts can impact the education system.
• Implementing new software in education can improve efficiency and decision-making processes.
• Using digital budget books and cost savings tools can help districts make data-driven decisions and save money.
• Strategic decision making for cost savings shou

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