School Business Insider

Public education is often slow to adapt, but what if school business officials could take a proven strategy from other industries to streamline operations and improve efficiency? In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Morales - MA, FISBL, F.InstESE of ISBL UK to follow up on our discussion of Operational Excellence (OPEX) in schools. We explore how districts are implementing OPEX, what’s working, what challenges remain, and why this movement could reshape school business operations worldwide. We also discuss how early adopters are integrating OPEX into their district strategies, how SBOs can get started, and the future of this initiative in the U.S. and beyond. If you missed our original conversation, now is the perfect time to catch up and see how OPEX is transforming school operations.

Public education is often slow to adapt, but what if school business officials could take a proven strategy from other industries to streamline operations and improve efficiency? In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Morales of ISBL UK to follow up on our discussion of Operational Excellence (OPEX) in schools. We explore how districts are implementing OPEX, what’s working, what challenges remain, and why this movement could reshape school business operations worldwide. We also discuss how early adopters are integrating OPEX into their district strategies, how SBOs can get started, and the future of this initiative in the U.S. and beyond. If you missed our original conversation, now is the perfect time to catch up and see how OPEX is transforming school operations. https://buff.ly/YPWexr8

?? New Episode Alert! Tough times don’t create leaders—they reveal them. With financial pressures mounting, policies shifting, and communities expecting more transparency than ever, school business officials are navigating some serious challenges. The question is: how do you lead with confidence, ethics, and resilience when the road ahead is uncertain? In Part 1 of our two-part series, we sit down with James Rowan, CAE, SFO to break down what it takes to stay composed under pressure, make the right calls when it counts, build trust with stakeholders, and advocate for your schools—even when the odds aren’t in your favor. And don’t miss Part 2, where we shift the focus to budgeting and financial decision-making with Jonathan Travers of Education Resource Strategies.

?? New Episode Alert! ?? Budgeting is more than numbers—it’s about making the right financial decisions for your district’s future. Join us on School Business Insider as we sit down with Robert Saul, Business Administrator & Board Treasurer at East Penn School District, to discuss budgeting best practices, financial stability, and how SBOs can communicate their budgets more effectively. ?? In this episode, we cover: ? The fundamentals of strong school budgeting ? How to avoid common financial pitfalls ? Best practices for navigating financial constraints ? The power of long-range planning for fiscal sustainability Whether you're finalizing budgets or planning for next year, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you make better financial decisions for your district. https://lnkd.in/dHqatnTd

?? New Episode Alert! ?? What do interest rates, inflation, and policy changes mean for school finance in 2025? Get expert insights from PMA as we break down the latest economic outlook for school districts! ?? In this episode, we discuss: ? Inflation and the rising cost of doing business ? Investment strategies for school districts ? The impact of new White House policies on school finance ? Why financial planning and risk management matter now more than ever If you’re a school business official looking to stay ahead of economic trends, this is a must-listen episode! ?? Michele Wiberg Kendra Shelland John Huber, CFA https://lnkd.in/eEYKwv4s

?? New Episode Alert! ?? Does gender affect salary negotiations in school business? Research says yes—and the findings might surprise you. Join School Business Insider as we sit down with Ron Clamser, Jr., Ed.D. who unpacks the role of gender bias in salary negotiations and what it means for school finance leaders. ?? Learn more about: ? The gender pay gap in education leadership ? How bias influences salary outcomes ? Strategies for advocating for equity in school finance This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating salary negotiations or working to close the gap in school leadership. https://lnkd.in/eFSzkEYB

??? New Episode Alert! Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Join School Business Insider as we explore the ASBO International High Performance Leadership Academy with top experts from ASBO and the Professional Development Academy! ?? Learn how this program: ? Equips school business leaders with essential leadership skills ? Provides real-world strategies for professional growth ? Helps participants transform their careers and impact their districts Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with insights on how to lead with confidence and clarity. Don't miss it! https://buff.ly/4gmQ2Tr Sabrina Soto Amanda Wing Tim Rahschulte

??? New Episode Alert! Join us on School Business Insider as Caroline Bobick from New York State School Boards Association unpacks New York’s 2025 executive budget! ?? Topics include: ? Universal school meals ? Reducing student screen time ? The role of advocacy in shaping education policy Discover how these initiatives impact schools and how advocacy continues to drive positive change. Don’t miss this insightful conversation! https://lnkd.in/eCzrcqfg

?? New Episode Alert! Discover the secret to better work and life! On this week’s School Business Insider, we’re joined by Kim Strobel, CEO of Strobel Education, to explore The Science of Happiness. ????? Learn how to: ? Overcome stress and burnout ? Boost productivity and positivity ? Cultivate happiness as a daily habit This episode is packed with actionable strategies to transform your mindset and create a thriving work environment. Don’t miss it! https://buff.ly/4hoSSIB

??? New Episode Alert! How can school districts align their financial resources with academic outcomes? Join School Business Insider as Tim Hilker and Joseph Greco, Ph.D., SFO dive into Academic Return on Investment (AROI)—a powerful framework for making data-driven, intentional decisions. ?? Learn how AROI: ? Bridges the gap between finance and instruction ? Evaluates program impact and efficiency ? Prepares districts for budget challenges This episode is packed with strategies for smarter spending and better student outcomes. Don’t miss it! https://lnkd.in/eYgw-cCW