By Lynda Sailor, NBOA Advisory Services Board Treasurer

Lynda is a Founder and current Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Aspen Academy in Greenwood Village, CO.

She shared the following poem during the board member scan at the Spring Meeting of the NBOA Board of Directors in Orlando, FL - the site of next year’s 2026 NBOA Annual Meeting.

'A Spark at Aspen: AI Joins the Team' was fittingly created - of course - with help from AI... 

A Spark at Aspen: AI Joins the Team

At Aspen Academy, we're charting new skies,

With AI as our compass, bold and wise.

No longer confined to chalkboards and bells,

It’s shaping the story our future tells.

In the business office, it lends a keen hand,

Streamlining payroll just as we planned.

In finance and HR, it clears the way,

For smarter decisions every day.

From reconciling books to forecasting spend,

AI is our tireless, numbers-wise friend.

It learns as it goes, and teaches us too—

With insights that sharpen what people do.

Then over in marketing, watch how it shines,

Tailoring messages, reading the signs.

Knowing what families seek and admire,

It kindles connection, and sparks their fire.

In admissions, it listens and guides each tour,

With data that helps us open the door.

To not just the best, but the best-fit soul,

Who’ll thrive in our care and reach their goal.

But this isn’t about replacing our hearts—

It’s freeing our people to do their best parts.

To lead, to relate, to think and to feel,

While AI handles the spinning wheel.

So here’s to a future both human and wise,

With Aspen and AI on the rise.

Efficiency blooms, and purpose holds true—

The best of tomorrow, built by what we do.