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Role of School Treasurer

The fiscal accountability demands of the 21st century are imposing. The financial stability of a school district is crucial in the education of Ohio’s students. An effective treasurer is an essential team member in striving for excellence in education.

Roles and Responsibilities of the School Treasurer


The role of an effective treasurer encompasses a multitude of responsibilities, each essential to the fiscal health of the district.

Treasurers are:

  • Fiscal leaders and advisers who provide sound financial guidance that assists the district leadership team in the decision-making process;
  • Financial managers who clearly understand the economic resources and collaborate with district leadership in their management;
  • Managers of capital and financial assets who, through their fiscal leadership, are charged with the guardianship of these assets;
  • Communicators and collaborators who disseminate and articulate the financial status of the district; and
  • Professionals who adhere to established ethical standards.

School treasurers are entrusted with protecting the fiscal health of the district. To perform these roles and responsibilities, they must execute their duties with the utmost conscientiousness, collaboration and ethical behavior; additionally, they must possess an extensive set of skills and knowledge. Treasurers exhibit the dispositions of effective leadership through collaboration. Treasurers lead by demonstrating and nurturing high levels of trust based on their competence, integrity, ethics and high expectations.

(Source: Ohio’s Standards for School Treasurers and School Business Manager, Ohio Department of Education, October 2010)

ACCOUNTING

The Treasurer's Office is responsible for all accounting, payroll and financial reporting for the district including: payroll and benefits, accounts payable and receivable, and EMIS (student information) data coordination. The Treasurer of an Ohio school district must hold appropriate certification to serve as the Chief Financial Officer and reports directly to the Board of Education. The treasurer and superintendent are the only two district employees who report directly to the Board of Education. Many of the duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer are outlined in various sections of the Ohio Revised Code.

BUDGET

Treasurer is responsible for the preparation of the annual budget and the publication of an annual report. By law, the Board of Education must adopt a budget by September 30 of each year. Copies of the District's budget are available to the general public. By January 1st of each year, the District must issue an audited annual financial report. These statements include financial statements, budget statements, and statistical information about the District and the services and programs it provides. Copies of the District's financial statements are also available to the public.

The Treasurer also serves as the Secretary to the Board of Education. In this role, all contracts, documents, and the official minutes (including audio and/or video recordings) of all Board meetings are kept as official records. Board meeting tapes are public records and are available for review by any citizen during business hours. Board minutes are public records and are available for review on this website.