School buildings are the backbone of learning environments—but too often, districts lack the funding clarity, planning tools, or support they need to modernize facilities. That’s where the National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI) comes in.

In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato speaks with Dr. Jeff Vincent, Director of NCSI, and Jo Ann Armstrong, CSBO, Chief Financial & Operations Officer at Belvidere CUSD 100 and NCSI advisory committee member. They explore how the Center is helping districts tackle challenges from indoor air quality and energy efficiency to facility master planning, resilience, and equity.

The conversation covers:

• Why the U.S. Department of Education created NCSI and what it aims to achieve
• How the resource library and interactive data dashboard provide actionable tools
• Real examples from Belvidere’s 10-year facilities plan across aging buildings
• Opportunities for school business leaders to engage with NCSI

Whether you’re managing deferred maintenance, planning capital strategy, or making the case for better infrastructure, this episode offers both inspiration and practical next steps.

Resources & Links

• National Center on School Infrastructure: school-infrastructure.org
• Resource Library: Explore Resources
• NCSI Podcast Stretched + Fall 2025 Webinar Series

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