School District to Hire New Business Chief

While school districts statewide are figuring out budgets in the midst of state funding uncertainties, the  this week announced it is looking for a new person to manage its finances.

Edjoin.org, a website that lists jobs open at more than 1,800 school districts and other education agencies, posted a listing for Newark's chief business official position on Wednesday.

Steven Shields, who has held the post since September 2008, told Newark Patch in an e-mail message Friday that he is stepping down due to personal and professional reasons.

“Also, my intentions in coming to Newark were to work toward my MBA (master's degree in business administration), but given the state of the California budget and its impact on Newark Unified, I have focused my efforts on helping the district maintain its fiscal solvency, which is displayed now by our most recent ‘Positive Certification’ and the development of the ‘Fiscal Recovery Plan,’ ” Shields wrote.  “I’m looking forward to finding the right opportunity to allow me to be with my family and continue my education.”

According to the interim status report for 2009-2010, the school district received a "qualified certification" from the state, a ranking that indicates it was at risk of not meeting its financial obligations that fiscal year and in future ones.

Shields was able to improve that ranking to "positive," meaning the district is on track to meeting its financial obligations this fiscal year and in the coming two years.

Shields will continue working with the district through the end of June, when his contract ends, said Newark Schools Superintendent Kevin Harrigan in a voice message with Newark Patch.

“He has done an excellent job in his service here,” Harrigan said in his message.

Harrigan said he expects a smooth transition to the new chief business official.

According to the school district website, Shields was responsible for all phases of business services. The CBO's responsibilities cover a number of categories, including financial planning, accounting supervision, payroll and capitol project budgets.

Shields was part of the Newark delegation that attended a Sacramento  about Gov. Jerry Brown’s budget proposal on Jan. 14.