MANSFIELD — Less than half of the applicants for position of treasurer at Mansfield City Schools are licensed by the state of Ohio to do the job.
Richland Source obtained the seven applications for treasurer at Mansfield City Schools through a public records request. Just three of the candidates have an Ohio School Treasurer License.
One of them is outgoing Supt. Janice Wyckoff of Clear Fork Valley Local Schools. Wyckoff has lead the district since 2014 and oversaw the construction of the new Bellville and Butler Elementary buildings.
Nevertheless, Wyckoff has been a polarizing figure at Clear Fork. Numerous residents and educators spoke out against the most recent renewal of her contract, which is expiring at the end of July.
Wyckoff’s listed several references on her application, including Clear Fork High School Principal Brian Brown, Clear Fork Middle School Principal Jennifer Klaus and Dan Freund, who worked with Wyckoff while he was superintendent at Highland Local Schools and as a Clear Fork school board member.
Other applicants who hold a treasurer’s license include Rachel Tansey and Douglas Passet.
Tansey is finishing up her first year as treasurer and chief financial officer of Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City Schools. Prior to that, Tansey was the executive director of federal programs and grants for Lorain City Schools from 2007 to 2023.
Passet works as a weights and measures inspector in Wyandot County.
He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance and a master’s in organizational leadership from the University of Findlay. From 2008 to 2013, he served as the treasurer of the Waynesfield-Goshen Local School District.
District treasurer’s last day is April 30
Mansfield City hired interim treasurer Judy Forney in December through a shared services agreement with Mount Vernon City Schools, where Forney works full-time. Her last day is April 30.
Forney tendered her resignation earlier this month, citing her responsibilities in Mount Vernon. Her daughter, Jennifer Kime, also recently became a board member.
“Now that we are approaching the end of the fiscal year, it is clear to me that I am no longer able to serve both districts adequately,” Forney wrote in her letter of resignation.
“It has been a great honor to serve as Interim Treasurer for the district where I was born and raised, graduated, currently reside and where my precious grandchildren attend.”
The board of education has scheduled a special meeting that day to approve two “time-sensitive contracts.” The board will also meet in executive session to consider the appointment or employment of a public official.
School board president Chris Elswick said the district is considering its options, including the hire of an interim or permanent treasurer.
Kime said school treasurers are increasingly in demand in Ohio, making it challenging for districts that need to hire.
“Districts are competing for candidates among a very shallow pool of certified applicants,” Kime said.
“Treasurers serve a critical role in the oversight, management, and reporting of public dollars and it’s critically important for the Mansfield City Schools to attract and retain a highly-qualified candidate long term in this role.”
Other applicants
Other applicants for the position of treasurer are listed below. None of them currently have an Ohio School Treasurer’s License.
Leah Baker is a financial support specialist and professional development and finance executive assistant for Worthington City Schools, where she’s worked since 2015.
She has bachelor’s degrees in business administration and management leadership from Franklin University in Columbus. She is in the process of obtaining her Ohio School Treasurer’s License.
Colby Boebel, a shift manager at Marco’s Pizza.
Casey Meeson, a financial management analyst for the Ohio National Guard’s 179th Cyber Wing. Neeson holds a master’s degree in public administration from Villanova University.
Krystal Reynolds, a full-time staff member with the Village of Jeromesville.