During the 2009-2010 school year, along with getting a new superintendent (Me!), our central office staff has undergone some significant changes. In December, we learned that longtime business manager, Tom Sabor, had been selected as the new Vice-President for Financial Affairs at Bay College. We began the process to figure out how we would replace him, and after considering many options, the Board of Education approved a plan to share services with Gladstone Area Public Schools--a decision that would increase efficiencies, save money, while also increasing proficiencies in both business offices by including "cross-training" opportunities.
Mike Macfarlane, is now the "Director of Business Services" for both school districts and will oversee both business offices. Each district has in place an accountant, who will handle detail work, specific to each district. For Escanaba, that person is now Jessica Erickson. She will do quite a bit of what Tom Sabor used to do, but will be overseen by Mike. Katie Kenneally, who has been doing payroll for Gladstone, will also do payroll for Escanaba. Ruth Madlinski, who has done accounts payable/receivable for Escanaba, will also do some work for Gladstone. Cathy Olson, who has done benefits administration for Escanaba, will also do work for Gladstone. The idea is to not only streamline the work, but to help and learn from each other.
So, we have new people, new roles, and with that we also have new learning. We will continue to work together and to have conversations to continuously improve this model.