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Faculty of the CASBO CBO BEL Program
When Dr. Howana Lundy, Program Manager at the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, first stepped into the world of education, her heart was set on helping students find their voice. As a classroom teacher, she thrived on seeing young people grow in confidence and capability. That passion carried her through leadership roles as a vice principal and principal, where she began to see the broader impact of systems thinking. But it was a pivot into special education leadership that truly transformed her perspective and ultimately opened the door to her role as a faculty member in CASBO’s Business Executives Leadership (BEL) Program.
A New Path Rooted in Purpose
“My journey in education has been one of purpose, growth, and connection,” Dr. Lundy reflects. Her transition into special education came not from technical expertise, but from her unwavering belief in equity and access.
“When I was recruited to serve as a Special Education Director, I didn’t have formal experience in that area. But I’d always been committed to ensuring students with disabilities received not just the support outlined in their IEPs, but the opportunities they deserved.”
A visionary Assistant Superintendent saw potential in Dr. Lundy that went beyond credentials. They saw her heart.
“The Assistant Superintendent who approached me believed technical knowledge could be learned, but that deep care and big-picture thinking couldn’t. That belief changed everything.”
In her new role, Dr. Lundy made it her mission to integrate special education into the broader educational system. She championed the idea that special education isn’t an isolated program but an essential part of the collective educational experience.
A Transformative Partnership with School Business
This mindset led her to an unexpected but career-defining partnership with Jayne Christakos, Chief Business Officer at her district. Together, they worked to align fiscal responsibility with educational justice.
“We focused on prevention, early intervention, and intentional spending, proving that doing what’s right for students can also be fiscally responsible. Our collaboration led to millions in cost savings, especially in transportation and one-on-one services, while maintaining high-quality support for students.”
Their work wasn’t just effective. It was exemplary. They were invited to share their integrated model at the state level, showcasing how aligning program goals with business strategies can create scalable, student-centered solutions.
Becoming a Faculty Member: Full Circle
That collaboration ultimately brought Dr. Lundy into the CASBO fold. Jayne encouraged her to share their story with emerging leaders through the BEL Program. What started as a guest presentation blossomed into a new professional identity.
“Being part of the BEL faculty has been a full-circle experience for me,” she says. “It allows me to share not only my professional expertise but also my belief that effective school business leadership is rooted in care, connection, and a shared commitment to ensuring every student has what they need to succeed.”
The Heart of BEL: Human-Centered Leadership
Dr. Lundy believes what sets BEL apart is its focus on the human dimension of leadership.
“One of the most meaningful impacts I’ve seen is how bringing the human side into school business changes perspectives. I strive to help business leaders see beyond the numbers, to recognize that every dollar represents a student, a service, and a story.”
She tells the story of one BEL participant in San Diego who was visibly moved after a session.
“She had a child with special needs. Through our discussion, she finally understood how her role as a CBO could directly impact students like her own. That moment affirmed what I’ve always believed: when we bring humanity into the business side of education, we don’t just manage budgets, we change lives.”
Why BEL Works
Dr. Lundy emphasizes that the BEL Program isn’t just about knowledge. It’s about relationships, perspective, and transformation.
“What makes the BEL Program truly stand out is how human it is. It’s not just technical training. It’s about people, relationships, and real-life application. The program brings together professionals who are actually doing the work, which gives participants authentic insight they can use immediately.”
That authenticity creates trust. And that trust creates change.
“Participants don’t just gain new knowledge. They gain a network of colleagues who understand their world and can support them long after the program ends. BEL doesn’t just develop leaders. It builds a community.”
From Educator to Systems Leader
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Lundy sees how every step prepared her for this role.
“Teaching in this space has helped me grow as a listener and collaborator. Every cohort reminds me that leadership looks different across contexts, but our shared goal remains the same: to serve students well.”
She encourages future faculty members not to wait for perfection.
“Start with heart. You don’t have to be a polished presenter or have all the answers. What matters most is authenticity. Be engaging. Use stories. Invite dialogue. When you create space for real connection, that’s when transformation happens.”
Leading with Heart
In a world that often separates business and human connection, Dr. Howana Lundy embodies the belief that the best leaders operate with both.
Through her work with CASBO and the BEL Program, she continues to show that school business leadership can be technical and tender, strategic and student-centered, grounded in budgets but driven by beliefs.
Because in the end, the most powerful outcomes happen when school business professionals lead with heart.
