New Business Manager Joins D46

Grayslake District 46 has a new business manager who comes with experience in the field. Todd Covault of Frankfort, Ill., was unanimously approved for the elementary district position during a special school board meeting this week.

Covault, 48, from Prairie Hills District 144, was selected from approximately 25 candidates, school officials said.

The new hire was meeting with interim business manager Vic Berner on Friday to review some of the details of his taking over the responsibilities Berner has been managing as an outside consultant.

"Having Todd in place will make it possible to get some things taken care of before the new school year, such as the bidding for garbage disposal," said Berner.

The district made headlines with its quick succession of business managers over the past year and a half. One explanation previously provided by Berner for the frequent turnover was inexperience.

That will not be the case for Covault who has been a public school educator for over 25 years. He is a former high school math teacher, school district technology director and building administrator, in addition to 15 years as a school district finance/operations officer.

"What stood out for Todd was the fact that he had experience," said District 46 superintendent Ellen Correll.  "During his four years at his previous position, he was able to turn the district around financially," she said.

A site visit to Covault's former employer was on Correll's 'to do' list. Correll had previously recognized that the district did not do a visit in May 2010, when business manager Edward Towle was hired, and then let go for not disclosing issues with his former employer.

"Lynn Barkley (assistant superintendent) and I did do a site visit to Todd's district," said Correll. "He has a wealth of experience and we are pleased he will be joining our administration."

Covault unsuccessfully ran for a school board position for District 210 in New Lenox, Ill. earlier this year. 

"I have a strong skill set in the area of school finance and operations due to significant experience in these areas," said Covault as to why he ran for office.

The new business manager has a bachelor's degree in mathematics education, University of Kansas; a master's degree in school technology, Northwest Missouri State University; certification as an Education Specialist, Administration and Supervision, University of Kansas; and a Doctorate of Education, Policy and Leadership, University of Kansas.

Covault is married and has one daughter.