SBO Perspectives

Today we take a trip to Ashburn, VA to get a glimpse of the ASBO International Editorial Advisory Committee (EAC). If you’ve ever enjoyed an article published in the School Business Affairs magazine, you can thank the EAC for all of their hard work! You’re going to be amazed at the dedication and commitment of these 13 seasoned school business officials!

When we think about leadership in the profession, there can never be enough opportunities for professional development and collaborating on what it takes to be a contributing member to your local ASBO. Brian Chechnicki, Executive Director of ASBO New York and Tim Hilker, President of ASBO New York, sit with us an reflect on their recent trip to San Antonio, TX for the annual ASBO International Leadership Forum.

When we think about leadership in the profession, there can never be enough opportunities for professional development and collaborating on what it takes to be a contributing member to your local ASBO. Brian Chechnicki, Executive Director of ASBO New York and Tim Hilker, President of ASBO New York, sit with us an reflect on their recent trip to San Antonio, TX for the annual ASBO International Leadership Forum.

In honor of Women’s Month, we wanted to speak with someone who is a real powerhouse in the industry. Brenda Burkett, CFO at Norman Public School is just that. She’s been through it all in her 32 years and shows no signs of stopping! Find out what it takes to be an SBO in Oklahoma and how they deal with some of the most challenging events.

Our first ever joint podcast! Today we’re teaming up with Dr. Brian Graham, Superintendent of Grand Island Central School District and host of “Achieving Joy and Mastery in Public Schools” podcast and Rubie Harris, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance to discuss the importance of the Superintendent and SBO relationship. We also explore the transition back to normal operating budgets as the federal funds come to a close.

On SBO Perspectives, one of our main points of focus is just that: offering perspective. It’s episodes like this one that make all of our work worthwhile. Today is a look at and reflection of the 2023 Lifetouch Memory Mission in Guatemala. We have two business officials and representatives from Lifetouch and Hug It Forward to reflect on their most recent trip to a community in dire needs of educational infrastructure.

If you’re considering reducing your carbon footprint and lowering your utility bill, there hasn’t been a better time to get started! The introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act in August of 2022 opens a new revenue stream for school districts looking to install green energy solutions in their buildings. Doreen Hamilton and Michael Ryan of Energy Systems Group (ESG) give use a glimpse at the possibilities introduced via the IRA!

Ever wonder what it’s like to pass the baton to the incoming president of ASBO International? We sit down with Bill Sutter, CFO at Boulder Valley School District and Immediate Past President of ASBO International to talk about the journey to his presidency, how he became a School Business Official and reflect on his leadership in 2022.

When the New York State Comptroller’s Office comes knocking, it’s usually an uneasy feeling for most School Business Officials. Who knows what the focus is going to be? How much time is this going to take? These are all questions we’ve asked, but there is good news! The Comptroller is here to help us and Ira McCracken, Chief of Municipal Audits, breaks down how we as SBO’s should be leveraging the NYS OSC as a vital resource.

Not all of our topics are easy to discuss, but we know it’s important to address everything a School Business Official might face. Today, we tackle the political side of the job with Dr. Sam Gergis, Assistant Superintendent for Business at Sayville Public Schools. Dr. Gergis has a wealth of knowledge and experience, taking us from athletic facilities use to approaching longstanding problems that have plagued a district forever.