MANSFIELD, Ohio — Mansfield City Schools’ interim treasurer Trevor Gummere is out of consideration for the district’s permanent treasurer.
Board president Renda Cline said Gummere withdrew his name from the candidacy during executive session of a recent board meeting.
“Those things happen,” Cline said. “Our plan is to get someone in there soon.”
Gummere said the two sides couldn’t agree on a contract.
“There was an amicable not-meeting-of-the-minds,” Gummere said. “I have no animosity, nor do I think they do. I respect their decision.”
According to Cline, Gummere was one of five candidates in late November.
The Ohio School Board Association has helped the district with the search for a new treasurer since Aug. 24. Before that, Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center assisted the district since the previous treasurer, Rosetta Stephens, announced her retirement in May.
Cline said the board has one candidate in line to be hired; she said she expects to present the candidate during the board’s next regular meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 12.
“I’m excited about the candidate of choice and I’m exited with moving forward in our district,” Cline said, who declined to disclose the candidate’s identity because the contract has not been finalized.
Cline said the board is in agreement with the choice for the district’s treasurer, with the exception of board member Cliff Crose, who, she said, has not played an active role in the hiring process. Crose has not attended a board meeting since losing his bid for re-election early November.
Nevertheless, Cline is excited for new developments in the district. She cited the renewal of the superintendent’s contract, being on the cusp of hiring a treasurer and the promise of getting out of fiscal emergency. She said those developments will help the district get the students educated.
“That’s what it’s all about, right? 2016 is going to be great,” Cline said.
The board approved a resolution that made a recommendation to the state auditor to be removed from fiscal emergency on Nov. 17. Cline said that with a permanent treasurer, the transition will be much smoother.
“Having a permanent treasurer is crucial for that to happen,” Cline said. “We need to have a financial officer to make sure those dollars are being spent correctly.”
