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Schools

D46 Taking Steps to Fill Business Manager Position

Experience is key says district financial consultant.

The retired business manager who has helped navigate District 46 through the series of business managers who have come and gone over the past three years provided Patch with an update on the hiring situation of a new business manager.

Candidates must be certified as a chief school business official, said Vic Berner.  He indicated it was also very important for them to have experience working in a school district.

"If you get someone from industry who does not have experience in a school district it is difficult for them to learn the system, even if they have gone and gotten the certification," said Berner. 

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The most recent hire, David Tylavsky, who abruptly resigned in March, had worked for Sodexo Food Services prior to joining the district. 

"David had his certification but no experience as a school district business manager," said Berner. "Last I spoke to him, he had his application out at several places for a business manager position."

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The biggest obstacle to finding the right person may be salary, according to Berner.

"I'm not sure the salary range D46 is offering is competitive. The district needs someone who is certified and has experience.  People with both those things often end up in larger districts who can pay more," he said.

The search for the right candidate is in motion.

"The district is advertising for the position through the Association of School Administrators (ASA) and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO)," said Berner. "Both organizations attract candidates for this type of position.There have been several rounds of interviews and we're waiting for feedback."

 Berner noted that he is not a district employee.

"I'm more of a consultant for Ellen and the administrative staff.  I can't approve purchases or write a check; that falls to Ellen (Correll, superintendent). In the absence of a business manager the superintendent takes over the financial end of things." he said.

Berner attended Wednesday's school board meeting to get the board's approval to name Correll as interim treasurer.  He explained that they must take this step in order to get state funds transferred. 

"In the absence of a business manager, a school board must officially name the superintendent as treasurer until someone is hired," Berner said.

The motion was approved by all board members. Berner also provided the details of resolutions and budget transfers that needed board approval at the meeting.

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