CASBO Connect

Purchasing departments across the state are dealing with supply shortages, price increases, and contracting new services to deal with the pandemic in addition to meeting the usual needs of schools in a year that was supposed to open more normally--but didn't. We talk to three experts on how they are addressing these problems and what advice they have for districts to overcome these challenges.
Guests:
Leeann Errotabere, Former CASBO President, Director of Purchasing - Clovis Unified School District
Sharon Clay, Director, Purchasing, Warehouse & Duplicating Services - Cajon Valley
Tony Crapo, Director of Purchasing & Support Services - Sequoia Union High School District

Is California doing a better job of getting resources that turn into opportunities and access for students into the right places? Are major investments in new initiatives helping to move the needle for those furthest from opportunity? How are schools navigating the current climate of rising divisiveness?
For this first episode of our new season, we wanted to gain the perspective of someone who has had her finger on the pulse of school business and resource equity for a long time, both from a local and a statewide perspective – and that led us to none other than Nina Boyd, Deputy Superintendent for Operations, Government and Community Partnerships, for the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE). Nina is a school business official, administrator and statewide leader who has seen a lot transpire during her nearly 40 years in public education – and she is still on the frontlines impacting change.
Nina shares insight and perspectives related to:

• How she sees us having gone both forward and backward with regard to advancing equity, including recent pushback about what is taught in schools;
• The importance of educational administrators and leaders continuing to be authentic in the spaces they serve and using their voices to correct misinformation;
• The evolving role of Chief Business Officers in inviting more diverse perspectives into the dialogue about school issues; and more.

Statewide declining enrollment became worse during the pandemic, and districts have not yet rebounded to their pre-COVID levels. Districts will return to funding based on actual attendance next school year if Gov. Newsom and the Legislature do not act to prevent a fiscal cliff.
In this episode, our guests will provide advice on planning for different funding scenarios and offer suggestions on how the state can solve this problem.
Guests:
Candi Clark, Ed.D., Associate Superintendent of Business Services, Alameda County Office of Education
Jennifer Stahlheber, Chief Financial Officer, San Juan Unified School District
Tony Wold, Ed.D., Former Associate Superintendent of Business Services, West Contra Costa Unified School District

The Governor has released his initial budget proposal for 2021-22. We discuss the key funding proposals and how they will support schools as they prepare for reopening with CASBO advocates Sara Bachez and Elizabeth Esquivel in less time than it will take you to read the 380 page proposal or listen to the three-hour press conference.
Guests:
Sara Bachez, CASBO Chief Governmental Relations Officer
Elizabeth Esquivel, CASBO Senior Director of Policy & Governance
CASBO Newsbreak 1/8/2020 - Governor Newsom Releases the 2021-22 State Budget Proposal