SHELBY — Shelby City Schools will have a new treasurer come 2021.
Beth Lykins, the treasurer at Crestview Local Schools, will assume the role at Shelby City Schools on Jan. 1.
“Beth comes to Shelby with excellent references and a tremendous reputation as a treasurer who is a hardworking, fiscally focused, and patient individual who will base her decisions on what is in the best interest of our students, staff and district,” Shelby Supt. Tim Tarvin said.
“The staff at Shelby is excited about the opportunity to work Mrs. Lykins and we welcome her to our Whippet family,” Tarvin said.
Lykins will replace Barb Donohue, who is retiring after a year and a half with the district.
“Mrs. Donohue is a straight shooter who is passionate about making Shelby a better district; her professionalism and dedication to the Shelby City Schools is greatly appreciated,” Tarvin said.
Lykins said she was excited about the new opportunity.
“ I am always open to new opportunities and experiences. Being from the area, I knew Shelby City Schools was a great school district,” she said.
Lykins began her career in 2000 as assistant treasurer at Willard City Schools. She went on to earn her school treasurer’s license and was hired as treasurer at South Central Local Schools in Greenwich in 2012.
While at South Central, she earned a master’s degree from Ashland University. She has been the treasurer of the Crestview Local School District since 2016.
Crestview Supt. Randy Dunlap said he supported Lykins’ decision to pursue a new challenge.
“Shelby is getting a very good person,” Dunlap said. “She has the best interest of the kids in mind. Everything came back to, ‘How does this support kids? How does this support students in the classroom?’”
Lykins said she is most looking forward to meeting the staff and students at Shelby.
“My goal when I start employment at Shelby City Schools is to meet as many employees as possible, my door is always open. I like to get out and walk the halls and meet the students and staff,” she said.
“My second goal is to learn and understand Shelby City Schools culture. Learning the culture of a district is very important,” Lykins said.
Lykins said she also plans to work with the treasurer’s office staff at Shelby to better understand the district’s strengths and opportunities for improvement.
“We are here for the students, so the students’ needs are priority in determining the budget for the district,” she said. “If it were not for the students we would not be in the positions we are in as administrators, teachers and support staff.”
