In this conversation, Jim Spellos, the president of Meeting U, shares insights on the transformative world of artificial intelligence and its potential to revolutionize school business operations. He discusses the background of AI, generative AI, traditional AI, and the differences between them. He also explores the use of AI in education, the challenges of AI detection, and the future of AI in the job market. Additionally, he provides valuable tips on how to prompt AI effectively for optimal...

SummaryIn this episode, representatives from GOVMVMT discuss the importance of cooperative purchasing for public school districts. They explain how cooperative purchasing can streamline procurement processes, increase cost savings, and provide access to a wider range of goods and services. The mechanics of cooperative purchasing are explored, including the role of lead agencies and the compliance requirements. The guests also discuss when school districts should consider cooperative purchasin...

Lou Pepe, the Director of Business Services at Southern Lehigh School District, shares his journey and insights on leadership in the educational sector. He discusses the qualities of a great leader in school business and the importance of communication, delegation, integrity, motivation, team building, empathy, flexibility, innovation, positivity, and vision. Lou also talks about his book 'Pathways to Leadership' and the key themes of pathfinding, trailblazing, pace setting, and voyaging. Lou...

Dr. Timothy Unruh, the Executive Director of the National Association of Energy Service Companies, discusses the challenges that school districts face in maintaining and upgrading their facilities. These challenges include aging infrastructure, insufficient funds, and the impact of climate change. He highlights the importance of innovative financial strategies and partnerships, such as energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs) and collaborations with energy service companies (ESCOs), in re...

This episode explores the world of school business literature with the Editorial Advisory Committee (EAC) of ASBO International. The EAC plays a crucial role in shaping the content of School Business Affairs Magazine and other publications. The committee generates ideas for articles, reviews submissions, and ensures that the content remains relevant and valuable to school business professionals. The EAC members discuss their experiences on the committee, the creative process of selecting and ...

SummaryMike McCarthy, Director of Business and Administration at St. Johnsbury Academy, Jeju, shares insights into managing finances, operations, and resources in an international school setting in South Korea. He discusses the challenges of navigating language and cultural barriers, adapting to the regulatory landscape, and building trust with the national staff. McCarthy emphasizes the importance of respecting and understanding the Korean culture and traditions while integrating Westernized...

Today's conversation explores the topic of electric busing and the challenges and opportunities it presents for school districts. The panel of experts discusses the sweeping trends of electric busing nationwide, including the funding from the EPA and the political ramifications. They also touch on the logistical issues of infrastructure, training, and disposal of batteries. The implementation experiences of different districts are shared, highlighting the proactive approach to infrastructure ...

SummaryThe ASBO International Eagle Institute is a premier event designed specifically for school business officials seeking to elevate their skills, expand their knowledge, and connect with peers from around the globe. The Eagle Institute offers a unique professional development opportunity that combines leadership training with a focus on history. Attendees have the chance to learn from quality speakers, explore historical sites, and build relationships with colleagues. The Institute is ope...

SummaryIn this episode, the guests discuss the Secure Act 2.0 and its potential impact on public schools. They highlight the need for retirement planning in the education sector and the challenges faced by teachers relying solely on pension benefits. The Secure Act 2.0 aims to address these issues by providing opportunities for individuals to save more for retirement and offering additional benefits such as Roth provisions and student loan forgiveness. The legislation also includes provisions...

SummaryIn this episode, representatives from ASBO International and ASBO New York share their insights into the operations and leadership of these associations. They discuss the mission and vision of ASBO International, the unique challenges faced by ASBO New York & state affiliates, and the strategic planning efforts of both organizations. The conversation also highlights the important work that goes on behind the scenes of associations, including the role of staff in providing support a...