It’s been SAId: Conversations on Leadership

More Than Just Numbers: The Strategic Role of the School Business Official

In this latest episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, host Dr. Lisa Remy takes an in-depth look at the multifaceted world of the School Business Official (SBO)—a position that serves as the financial and operational backbone of a school district. While balancing the budget is a primary duty, the SBO is also a strategic leader tasked with long-range financial planning, data analytics, and operational oversight. 
Dr. Remy welcomes four experts associated with the Iowa Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) to address:
Defining the Role: Moving beyond simple accounting to understand how SBOs manage human resources, strategic planning, and overall school operations.
Essential Skills for Success: Why leadership, critical decision-making, and effective communication are just as vital as financial expertise.
The Power of Data: How successful officials use enrollment projections and multi-year revenue analysis to land their roles and guide their districts into the future.
Operational Excellence: Strategies for effective resource allocation and improving efficiency through digital systems and policy compliance.
Listen and learn a lot in this one-hour, comprehensive conversation.

Legislative Update with Dave Daughton — Jan 23, 2026

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This Jan. 23 episode covers week two.

Legal Vortex: When Law Enforcement Visits Your School

How prepared is your district for a surprise visit from law enforcement? SAI’s Legal Services Director Matt Carver discusses the legal "must-dos" for interviewing and detaining students or employees on campus.
Key highlights:
Step-by-step guidance on interacting with local and federal officers.
The truth about ICE raids and their current impact on schools.
Protective measures for both your staff and students.
A 10-minute deep dive into the legal counsel every administrator needs today.

Legislative Update with Dave Daughton — Jan 16, 2026

As the Iowa legislature begins its 2026 session, SAI Government Relations Director will provide weekly updates. This January 16th episode covers the first week of the session.

Leadership Life Fit: The Multitasking Mirage

In this special edition of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning with SAI, discusses the myth behind multitasking and productivity. In this 13-minute episode (which you should listen to while not multitasking!), she covers why multitasking negatively impacts your output and offers resources to help you reframe your time management. Enjoy this Leadership Life Fit feature!

From Demanding to Empowered: A New Space for District Leaders

Ready to transform your district leadership experience? Being a district leader who supports school site leaders is rewarding, but incredibly demanding. If you've been doing this complex work in isolation, it's time to find your community! We're launching a District Leadership Masterminds Group designed to provide a supportive, empowered space where you can genuinely grow. 
Listen to this three-minute overview by SAI's Associate Professional Learning Director Al Neppl and learn how to sign-up for this opportunity that starts January 9th.

Legal Vortex: A Year-End Appreciation for Iowa's School Leaders

SAI Legal Services Director Matt Carver is usually on the other line supporting administrators through a critical legal situation. But in this year-end episode of Legal Vortex, he sets aside the complex legal challenges to share his genuine appreciation for Iowa's public education leaders. Tune in for a thoughtful, 16-minute celebration of the positive aspects and attributes that often go unrecognized in the world of school administration.

Legislative Update with Dave Daughton — December 2025

In this special edition Legislative Update with SAI Government Relations Director Dave Daughton, several key topics are addressed in this five-minute podcast.
He provides a concise pre-session briefing as the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session approaches. The latest REC report shows an encouraging upward revision for FY27 revenue estimates. Daughton briefly covers the recent legislative special elections and the forthcoming 'fix' for the required HF 706 board training.
Finally, he the most critical advocacy message for all education leaders: emphasizing that over $80\%$ of school expenses are dedicated to staffing, making adequate funding essential for competitiveness. Tune in for your quick recharge before the session begins on January 12th!

Workforce Essentials: The Skills Iowa Employers Demand —with IBC President Joe Murphy

In the latest episode of the It’s Been SAId podcast, host Dr. Lisa Remy focuses on the question: What skills do Iowa employers really need? She welcomes Iowa Business Council (IBC) President Joe Murphy to discuss this timely topic. 
Together they dive into the IBC’s newly released "Professional Proficiencies" (Communication, Resiliency, Organizational Mindset, and Tolerance for Ambiguity). Learn how these four essential attributes connect education to the modern workforce and what opportunities they create for the future of Iowa in this 37-minute podcast.

Legislative Update with Dave Daughton - November 2025

In the first podcast version of his monthly update, SAI's Government Relations Director Dave Daughton updates listeners on preparation for the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session. Listen to learn what you need to know in this seven-minute podcast.