How many years have you been in the school business profession?
Five years!
How did you first learn about and then become involved in the school business profession?
Back when I was learning about the profession and licensure, I met Jeff Dornbusch, Cajon Keeton, and Ryan Pendleton. As I was working for my hours and experience, Jeff would continually invite me out to Port Clinton and work with me to gain an understanding of the profession and the industry. As I was applying for the Garfield job, those guys would take time out of their day to help with interview prep, and analysis of the district I would go on to take. To this day on my white board in my office, I have written "Know where your cash is at all times", a testament of the time I spent working with Jeff in Port Clinton, and a general reminder of the first thing I do each morning - check the accounts!
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
My proudest accomplish is that we replaced our football stadium and track with the help of the Cleveland Browns in 8 months without a tax increase ask of our community. We had a cinder track, and a football stadium that was a WPA-New Deal project original to 1933.
What do you feel is the most important part of your job?
I feel the most important aspect of my job is being an active presence in buildings and the community to connect and listen to the folks who are educating and making our District run day in and day out. I've learned that by simply showing up and listening, it builds incredible trust and relationships across the board.
What is one thing you feel makes your district unique in the state?
Garfield Heights is one of the poorest school districts in the state, but we have the 6th highest property tax rate in Ohio. We are known as the City of Homes, as 85% of our tax base is residential. Although our District has had a major transformation, going from a wealthier District to one of the poorest in the State over a 20-year span, we still are proud of our District and community. Go Bulldogs!
What is at the top of your professional bucket list?
I would like to one day run for and be elected Governor of Ohio. A lot of things would have to go my way, but a boy can dream right?
What is something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?
That I love to bake! My parents taught me how to bake when I was in elementary school, and we always have a set schedule every year to get together and bake pumpkin rolls, kolaczki, and Easter Breads.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
Owl
Favorite TV Show?
Peaky Blinders
Favorite Movie?
Pan's Labyrinth
Favorite Food?
Cavatelli with homemade tomato sauce!
What is one of your favorite expressions?
"A Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in" - Greek Proverb.
When someone finds out what you do, what's one of the first questions they always ask you?
They start by telling me they never knew school districts had Treasurer/CFO's, and if I am just an accountant for the District.
What has been the best, or your favorite part of being involved in OASBO?
I love presenting and networking with my colleagues. I have been able to learn so much by just being around folks who want lend their knowledge to you.