Lakewood Schools Narrows Treasurer Search

The Lakewood City School District Board of Education, which is seeking to replace its current treasurer, has identified six candidates who will be interviewed December 6 and December 7, 2011.

Ohio School Board Association consultant Kathy LaSota, who led the recruitment process for the Board, met with Board members on December 1 to present the results of the OSBA applicant screening.

"I was pleased with the results of OSBA‚s professional search process," Board member Linda Beebe said. "The school treasurer position is a challenging one. It is sometimes difficult to provide boards of education with the number and quality of candidates needed to fit our essential criteria. The Lakewood Board of Education, staff and community should be proud that top-notch applicants are attracted to our school district. The most difficult work is to come over the next several weeks as the Board narrows the field and identifies the successful candidate."

The following candidates will be interviewing for the treasurer‚s position:

·         Teresa L. Emmerling, Treasurer, Massillon City Schools

·         Lewis E. Galante, Treasurer, Perry Local Schools

·         Robert J. Matson, Treasurer, North Olmsted City Schools

·         Timothy J. Penton, Treasurer, Whitehall City Schools

·         Biagio Sidoti, Treasurer, North Ridgeville City Schools

·         Kevin M. Staller, Treasurer, Nordonia Hills City Schools

"It is undisputed that we received an outstanding pool of treasurer candidates because Superintendent Jeffrey W. Patterson, in collaboration with our teachers, staff, administrators and parents, has created a culture which expects and demands excellence," said Board President Matthew John Markling. " look forward to working with my fellow Board members and Superintendent Patterson to select a treasurer who will work collaboratively with our administration and Board to prudently manage the fiscal resources of the district and ensure that our students continue to receive a quality education that meets their needs for future success."

The Board plans to have the new treasurer under contract by December 31, 2011. The new treasurer will replace Richard Berdine, who in June announced his resignation as of December 31, 2012. The incoming treasurer, who begins work on August 1, 2012, will work closely with the current treasurer to ensure a smooth transition.