The highest honor in school business, recognizing outstanding and unique contributions made by school business officials to their districts and the profession.
Congratulations to the 2025 Eagle Award recipients!
2025 International Eagle Award Recipient
Robert Saul, PCSBA, RSBO, SFO
Business Administrator
East Penn School District
Emmaus, Pennsylvania
Robert began his school business career in 1999 and has been a member of ASBO International since 2002. In 2017, Robert became a Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations® (SFO). He currently serves as the chair of ASBO International’s Editorial Advisory Committee and also sits on the Education Advisory Committee.
With more than 25 years of experience in school business management, Robert has dedicated his career to not only managing resources but also modernizing practices, mentoring colleagues, and advancing the profession. His primary focus has always been on serving students, supporting colleagues, and strengthening communities. At the district level, he has implemented systems that enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency, such as integrating student activity funds into financial software, streamlining accounts payable and financial reporting, leading long-range fiscal planning, and designing investment strategies that maximize returns while protecting public funds.
In addition to his district work, Robert has actively contributed to the profession through leadership roles in professional organizations. As a Pennsylvania ASBO (PASBO) board member and officer, he promoted strategic initiatives and expanded leadership development opportunities, including launching the Emerging Leader Summit. He has also served on various committees and boards, such as ASBO International’s Bylaws Committee and the Pennsylvania School District Liquid Asset Fund, advocating for professional learning, ethical standards, and operational excellence.
2025 Distinguished Eagle Award Recipients
Susan Barkley
Chief Financial Officer
Shelby County Public Schools
Shelbyville, Kentucky
Susan started at the West Virginia Department of Education in 1997 as Coordinator of School Finance and, through years of dedicated service, advanced to Executive Director. Since 2014 she has been the Chief Financial Officer for Shelby County Public Schools. Susan joined ASBO International in 2024.
Susan has advanced the school business profession through leadership, innovation, and dedicated service, always focusing on supporting student success via sound fiscal management. She trains new superintendents in fiscal leadership as part of the finance faculty for the Kentucky Association of School Administrators. Susan has maximized resources through strategic budgeting, led salary schedule revisions to improve equity and retention, and successfully advocated for eliminating all student fees by securing alternative funding. Serving as President of her state ASBO and a Southeastern ASBO board member, she champions transparency and professional growth, mentoring future leaders to lead with clarity, confidence, and integrity.
Amanda Brackett
Chief Financial Officer
Tippecanoe School Corporation
Lafayette, Indiana
Amanda Brackett started her school business journey in 2004 and joined ASBO International in 2015. Amanda served on the Annual Meeting Program Committee for several years as a content expert in multiple areas.
Amanda has advanced the school business profession through dedicated leadership, innovation, and active engagement. She has earned recognition with the Indiana ASBO Chief Business Officer of the Year and the prestigious John F. Young Lamplighter award. Serving on the Indiana ASBO Board of Directors, Amanda influences strategic direction while sharing expertise through workshops on grants management, payroll, and audits. She has led process improvements such as implementing a new chart of accounts and paperless payroll transitions. Active in professional associations and advisory boards, Amanda remains committed to advocacy, collaboration, and driving positive change in school business management.
J. Scott Gooding, II
Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer
Big Walnut Local School District
Sunbury, Ohio
J. Scott Gooding, II has 28 years of experience as a school business professional, working in districts from small rural areas to Ohio’s largest. He has served extensively with Ohio ASBO (OASBO), including nine years on its Board of Directors in roles from Secretary/Treasurer to President.
Passionate about advancing the profession, Scott mentors new leaders and helps them build strong networks through OASBO and ASBO International. He promotes strategic, transparent budgeting aligned with academic goals, improving outcomes and sustainability. Committed to leadership, mentorship, and integrity, Scott strives to strengthen the field and support student success.