Bellefontaine City Schools officials announced today that the district has concluded its treasurer search, and board of education members are expected to extend a contract at their regular Monday evening meeting to Joshua Wasson.
Currently the assistant treasurer at Northwestern Local Schools, Wasson’s new treasurer/chief financial officer contract would begin Jan. 1, replacing BCS treasurer Keith Krieger, who retires Dec. 31 following more than 40 years of service to the district.
In this role, Wasson will oversee the financial operations of the district which includes a myriad of responsibilities, including the accuracy and timeliness of all state and federal reporting, the development of the annual district budget and the district’s five-year Forecast.
“I am very pleased and honored to have been select-ed as the district’s next Treasurer/CFO. I want to thank the Board of Education and Superintendent Hall for the trust they have placed in me,” Wasson said in a release.
“Bellefontaine City School District appeals to me due to the exciting and innovative climate that is very apparent here and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. I look forward to serving the board of education, students and parents of the Bellefontaine City School District.”
Wasson has served in his current role for 4 1/2 years, and previously handled payroll and personnel at Northwestern Local Schools for one year.
In addition to school finance experience, he also worked with the Ohio Department of Administrative Service, serving as Budget Analyst and served Champaign Residential Services in various positions, including budget manager for several years.
A licensed school treasurer and business manager, Wasson received a bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics from Muskingum University, and his Master’s In Business Administration from Bowling Green State University.
“We are impressed with Wasson’s background in governmental accounting and school finance and his ability to articulate detailed data in layman’s terms,” said Joan Haushalter, board of education president. “He has gained a wealth of knowledge of school system budgetary and accounting rules while serving Northwestern Local Schools as Assistant Treasurer. Wasson has the skills to help lead our district forward. We are fortunate and excit-ed to have him join our administrative team.”
“We listened to our staff and community members in seeking an individual with successful school finance experience and who is a skilled leader and communicator,” Superintendent Brad Hall said. “I feel confident that Josh definitely meets that criteria and will be a great fit here. I am looking forward to working with him.”
Wasson lives with his wife Kristen, an elementary teacher in Urbana City Schools, and their two children Zeke, 12, and Thad, 9.
The Bellefontaine City School District Board of Education received assistance in the hiring process from K-12 Business Consulting and the Ohio Association of School Business Officials.
After developing a Treasurer Search Profile that was based on information provided by board of education members, community members, district administrators, teachers and support staff, a statewide search to find the next CFO was undertaken. The board screened and vetted the credentials of several potential candidates.
From interviews conducted Oct. 16, three finalists were selected for final-round interviews.
The final interviews Oct. 22 included each of the finalists meeting with a 12-member focus group made up of community members and district staff followed by a detailed and thorough interview and presentation to the board of education and superintendent.