Redefining Financial Oversight in K-12: A Data-Driven Approach 

Making Investment Oversight More Effective 

“My board is very, very in tune and wants to have their finger on the pulse of our investments. How are we doing? How is this strategy working?” John explained.  

Traditionally, answering these questions required piecing together data from multiple sources, a slow and cumbersome process. But with the right tools, John streamlined financial oversight. 

Using his analytics software, John demonstrated how in just two clicks, he could pull a year-over-year investment earnings report, visually showing fluctuations and trends. When interest rates dropped in 2025 compared to 2024, he was able to illustrate why their investment strategy was still strong and project where it was heading. 

“I can print a one-page PDF and send it to my board before a finance committee meeting. It’s that simple.” 

Digging Deeper into Purchase Services 

And it wasn’t just investments. Purchase service expenditures – one of the district’s biggest costs – needed closer analysis. 

“When I wanted to review our purchase services, I can quickly see that professional and technical services – the brown section of the stacked bar chart – make up the lion’s share of spending across both years. I just click on that section, and it drills down to a new chart showing year-over-year changes for those specific expenditures”

With one more click, he could break it down further. 

“I can also scroll down and start to look at month-to-month. What happened last year versus what’s happening now? The blue shows last year, the red shows this year. I can scroll down even further and get into the actual detail of that 410 – getting into the next or the third digit of that account code structure.”

Helping a New Business Manager Get Up to Speed 

For John, the benefits extended beyond just tracking numbers. Loveland had a new business manager who came from outside the finance department. 

“Here in Loveland, our new business manager comes from a different administrative background, not directly from the business office. So each week, I sit down with him and use this detailed data to walk through past spending compared to what we’re seeing this year.”

By leveraging data visualization and analytics, John isn’t just improving Loveland’s financial management. He’s setting a standard for how SBOs can lead with data, ensuring financial transparency and strategic decision-making at every level. 

What SBOs Can Take Away From Loveland’s Experience 

John’s experience at Loveland City Schools highlights key takeaways for any school business official: 

• Spreadsheets slow you down. Static reports require hours of manual work, leaving little time for real-time decision-making. 
• Two clicks can replace hours of searching. Instead of digging through endless rows of data, interactive analytics allow SBOs to click, drill down, and visualize spending instantly. 
• Quick insights build trust. Whether it’s answering unexpected board questions or helping new administrators get up to speed, having real-time access to data strengthens transparency and confidence. 
• The right tools improve forecasting accuracy. According to the K-12 Lens 2025 Report: 

• 93% of districts using analytics software say their budget projections are very or fairly accurate. 
• 79% of districts using manual data analysis report the same confidence. 
• 76% of districts relying on intuition say their projections are accurate. 

The takeaway? Access to the right tools matters. As budgets tighten, districts investing in analytics gain a clearer picture of their financial future – without the guesswork. 

A Smart Path Forward for School Business Officials 

John Espy’s story at Loveland City Schools illustrates how advanced analytics can redefine the role of the school business official. With the right tools, SBOs can move beyond static spreadsheets and time-consuming manual processes to a faster, more strategic way of managing district finances.  

Whether answering tough questions from the board, onboarding new team members, or planning for the year ahead, real-time financial visibility leads to stronger decisions and more confident leadership. 

For SBO’s looking to modernize their approach, here’s what matters most:  

• Speed matters. Rapid access to detailed, visualized data saves hours and supports timely decisions. 
• Clarity builds trust. Interactive charts and reports help communicate complex financial data to stakeholders more clearly. 
• Accuracy improves outcomes. Better forecasting, backed by analytics, reduces guesswork and improves planning. 

In an era where districts are being asked to do more with less, financial leaders need more than just information – they need insight. Investing in modern analytics isn’t just a technology upgrade. It’s a strategic shift that empowers SBOs to lead with confidence, transparency, and foresight. 

Discover the Power of Frontline Analytics  

Frontline Analytics equips K-12 finance leaders with data-driven insights to streamline budgeting, improve forecasting, and make informed financial decisions with confidence. Move beyond spreadsheets and ensure every dollar supports student success.  Learn More