How many years have you been in the school business profession?
8.5
How did you first learn about and then become involved in the school business profession?
Previously I was an Aquatic Director for Hubbard Exempted Village School District for 13 years right out of college. My main objective was to make the pool profitable and remove the drain (financially) from the school's general fund. It typically required an annual negative fund transfer of over $100,000. In order to do this I developed a strong relationship with the Treasurer. Rhonda Baldwin-Amorganos was the Treasurer at the time and one day said to me, "Craig, you are way too talented and smart to be doing this forever, you should consider becoming a Treasurer where you can have a much larger impact". That comment stuck with me and about 2 years later, I decided to build on my business degree and take the required coursework. I was set and ready to go but wasn't ready to take that leap until 2017 when I was hired by Brookfield Local School District as it's Treasurer.
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
My proudest moment will forever be getting Brookfield Local Schools out of Fiscal Emergency designation. A designation they had for 4 years before I was hired. Brookfield remains one of the longest districts in state history of being in emergency. I successfully (along with the help of some others at the time) was able to remove the designation within 10 months of my arrival and set them up for future success. The day I started, the general fund was -133,000 approximately and the day I left (3 years later to the day), there was over 2,000,000 in the general fund.
What do you feel is the most important part of your job?
The most important part of this job is being involved and in the weeds. Some people don't like it, but I don't just sit in my office all day doing the finances. I make it a point to have conversations and develop relationships with various staff at various levels. This helps me understand more of the organization as a whole and allows me to always be better at what I do. One of the first things I figured out was that every single thing we do costs money! It's helpful to understand the "why" behind everything.
What is one thing you feel makes your district unique in the state?
Brecksville-Broadview Heights is unique in that we have an amazing and supportive community. This is a high wealth and high performing district. We are a destination district throughout the state and we are very proud of that. We are also a district that carefully spends district resources and ensures as much as possible that resources are spent effectively. I sometimes hear, "how does BBH rank so high yet your per-pupil spending is right in line with the state average?" I think that's a nice compliment!
What is at the top of your professional bucket list?
Retirement! This is a tough job, and even though I have many years ahead of me, my bucket list includes making it to retirement. I've already found an amazing district that values the work of Treasurer/CFO and supports what I do and how I do it. For that, I've already achieved my professional bucket list!
What is something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
I still teach Aquatic Fitness on the national and international stage through the Aquatic Exercise Association. I am still an AEA Aquatic Training Specialist! In fact, I just taught a workshop recently in Traverse City, MI!
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
A dolphin! I'm a Pisces and water is in my blood!
Favorite TV Show?
Shark Tank
Favorite Movie?
Cruel Intentions
Favorite Food?
Pierogies and Haluski
What is one of your favorite expressions?
Walk a day in my head and you won't have to ask why!
When someone finds out what you do, what's one of the first questions they always ask you?
Do you work in the summer?
What has been the best, or your favorite part, of being involved in OASBO?
OASBO provides great opportunities to learn and network! You cannot do this job without networking and OASBO helps that in so many ways!