Treasurer - Lakota Local Schools

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Lakota Local Schools

ABOUT LAKOTA LOCAL SCHOOLS

Lakota Local Schools is one of Ohio's largest and most dynamic suburban school districts, serving approximately 17,000 students across Butler County. The district encompasses West Chester Township and Liberty Township and is recognized for academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and strong community engagement.

Lakota's scale provides opportunity and complexity. The district operates multiple elementary schools, junior high schools, and two comprehensive high schools, offering robust academic programming, career pathways, extracurricular activities, and student support services. Lakota's financial operations reflect the sophistication of a large public organization, requiring strategic leadership, precision, and long-range planning.

THE TREASURER OPPORTUNITY

Lakota Local Schools seeks an exceptional financial leader to serve as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of one of Ohio's largest and most respected school districts.

This is a high-impact executive leadership role responsible for shaping the district's long-term financial strategy and ensuring sustainable alignment between financial resources and the district's mission, priorities, and continued growth. The Treasurer serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and a trusted advisor to the Board of Education, providing strategic counsel on all financial, operational, and capital matters.

Lakota requires a Treasurer who can operate confidently at organizational scalebringing the foresight, judgment, and leadership presence necessary to guide complex financial planning, support major organizational initiatives, and maintain the confidence of both governance leadership and the broader community.

The successful candidate will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership grounded in long-range forecasting, scenario planning, and proactive risk management
• Advise the Board and Superintendent on levy strategy, capital investments, and long-term fiscal sustainability
• Lead a sophisticated financial operation with a focus on accuracy, transparency, internal controls, and operational excellence
• Serve as a key executive leader during periods of growth, financial planning cycles, and community engagement
• Build and lead high-performing teams while fostering a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement
• Communicate complex financial matters clearly and credibly to leadership, staff, and community stakeholders

Lakota seeks a Treasurer who brings executive presence, strategic insight, and a demonstrated ability to lead financial operations within a complex, high-performing organization. This individual will play a central role in ensuring Lakota's continued financial strength and organizational success.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid Ohio School Treasurer license
• Demonstrated executive-level leadership in public school finance, preferably in a large or complex district environment
• Proven experience developing and presenting five-year forecasts and long-range financial plans
• Deep knowledge of Ohio school funding, including the Fair School Funding Plan, levies, and bond financing
• Demonstrated success navigating levy cycles and community financial engagement
• Experience integrating financial planning with capital planning and long-term facilities strategy
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted financial advisor to a Superintendent and Board of Education
• Experience supporting collective bargaining through fiscal analysis and strategic guidance
• Strong leadership experience managing and developing high-performing finance and business operations teams
• Exceptional communication skills and executive presence
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and organizational leadership skills
• Impeccable integrity and commitment to ethical stewardship of public funds

Preferred Experience

• Experience in districts serving 10,000+ students
• Experience managing large and complex operating budgets
• Experience in suburban or high-performing districts

COMPENSATION

The Board offers a competitive compensation package, including a multi-year contract with annual performance reviews. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

SEARCH TIMELINE

• Application Deadline: April 3, 2026
• Initial Interviews (Finding Leaders): April 2026
• Board Interviews: April 2026
• Contract Approved: April 2026
• Start Date: August or As Negotiated

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates are invited to apply at:

Contact Information:
Ryan Pendleton

216-225-8548

[email protected]