In this insightful episode, Bob speaks with Olga Simoes, CFO of the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA), about the financial realities behind educational innovation. Drawing from her time at ACES and her current national role, Olga shares how leaders can navigate limited budgets while making forward-thinking decisions that prepare students — and schools — for an AI-driven future.

Olga opens up about:

• The tension between what’s needed and what’s possible in today’s educational funding landscape

• How to evaluate new technologies and avoid investing in the “shiny object” trap

• Building a culture that embraces change — not just in tools, but in mindset

• Why financial leaders need to zoom in and out — from spreadsheets to classrooms

• How to budget for long-term transformation, not just short-term fixes

• What future-ready hiring and workforce development will require

Whether you’re an educational leader, financial administrator, or someone interested in how change happens behind the scenes, this episode offers a grounded, thoughtful look at how money, mission, and innovation meet.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about AESA

• ACES (Area Cooperative Educational Services)

• Connect with Olga Simoes on LinkedIn

• Subscribe to Future Proof Education: AI and Beyond for more episodes on technology, leadership, and the future of learning