How many years have you been in the school business profession?
7 years
How did you first learn about and then become involved in the school business profession?
I was in a transition period after being RIF'd as a teacher, and a superintendent friend who knew my math background asked me if I ever thought about becoming a treasurer. After we talked about it, and I did some research, I decided that would be something that I'd love to do. After 20 years in the classroom, with many of them also as a basketball coach, I decided it was time for a change. I took the classes I needed and did my 300 hours with Chris Adams, who was the treasurer at Mogadore (my hometown), and got my license in 2018.
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish in my 5 years at West Branch. When I got there in January 2021, the previous forecast showed that we would be in negative cash by the end of 2023. We were very wise with our ESSER funds and eliminated some positions through attrition, and just kept our belts tightened. When 2023 ended, we had a $6 million carryover. We were able to maintain that the whole time I was there. I am also proud of the fact that there was also some trust built between our unions and the administration in my time there.
What do you feel is the most important part of your job?
Making sure our students and staff are at the forefront of my decision making...of course while keeping us fiscally sound. I am still a teacher at heart and want the best for all of our students!
What is one thing you feel makes your district unique in the state?
Well, I haven't even been at my current district two months yet, so I'm still learning about it. I would say one thing I've noticed is that there is a lot of mistrust from the unions here... decades-long mistrust. They had a strike here 10 years ago, and it's still fresh in a lot of people's minds. I really would love to accomplish what I was able to do at West Branch and gain their trust, so that we can all be working together for the reason that we're all here...our students!
What is something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
I play guitar and keyboards. I play keys for my church, and my dad and I do an acoustic duo playing '50s-'80s rock mostly. We play 1-2 gigs a month at local restaurants and wineries.
Favorite TV Show?
Heartland
Favorite Movie?
I Can Only Imagine 1 & 2
Favorite Food?
Pizza or Steak!
What is one of your favorite expressions?
What in the world is going on?? Said several times a day it seems like and is usually directed at my computer when it's not working correctly!
When someone finds out what you do, what's one of the first questions they always ask you?
How did you get into doing that? Then the obligatory...what do you do, and do you like it?
What has been the best, or your favorite part of being involved in OASBO?
I love how just about everyone in this whole profession is so helpful and willing to share what works for them. OASBO is a huge part of that! I love going to our regional meetings and the annual conference...not just for the knowledge, but to catch up with people!