In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato sits down with Elleka Yost, ASBO’s Director of Advocacy & Research, along with Trisha Schock and Jeff Hollamon, Chair and Vice Chair of the Legislative Advisory Committee (LAC), to explore what ASBO International is doing to protect and promote education funding at the federal level.

They discuss the 2025–2026 U.S. policy priorities, key legislative issues impacting school districts—from IDEA and Title I to AI, student meals, and loan forgiveness—and how the LAC builds bipartisan consensus on tough issues. You’ll also get an inside look at the upcoming Legislative Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. this July, and learn how you can get involved and make your voice heard.

Whether you're a veteran advocate or just getting started, this episode offers practical insights and timely updates from the frontlines of federal education policy.

🎧 Learn more at asbointl.org/advocacy

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• Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI
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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 Cindy M. Reilmann, CPA, SFO, Chief Financial Officer, and Dr. Michael Maclin, Superintendent of Schools, from the Special School District (SSD) of St. Louis County.

Facing a projected $74 million deficit, SSD launched the Righting the Ship plan—a strategic roadmap designed to stabilize finances while preserving their mission to serve students with excellence. Cindy and Dr. Maclin share how they tackled tough decisions, developed a comprehensive staffing and cost-containment strategy, and fostered transparency and community trust throughout the process.

Tune in to hear valuable lessons in financial leadership, collaboration, and resilience that any school business professional can apply.

🛥️ Key Takeaways:

• Root causes behind SSD's financial challenges
• Key elements of the Righting the Ship plan
• Building stakeholder support during difficult changes
• Strategies for achieving long-term fiscal stability

🎧 Listen now and learn how bold leadership can turn financial storms into opportunities for stronger, more sustainable schools.

Contact School Business Insider:

• Check us out on social media:
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter (X)
• Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI
• Email: podcast@asbointl.org

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...

How do school leaders move beyond compliance and create budgets that reflect shared values? In this episode of School Business Insider, John Brucato sits down with Dr. Michael Juech, Assistant Superintendent of Operations for the Howard-Suamico School District in Wisconsin, to explore his thought-provoking article, "We Versus Me: Collaborative Resource Allocation and Budget Management."

Dr. Juech shares actionable strategies for engaging school leaders, staff, and board members in transparent, mission-driven budgeting processes. From shifting mindsets to navigating tough conversations, this episode is a must-listen for school business officials seeking to align resources with purpose — together.

Contact School Business Insider:

• Check us out on social media:
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter (X)
• Website: https://asbointl.org/SBI
• Email: podcast@asbointl.org

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...