By Robin Ruehlen
C & G Staff Writer

WARREN — After interviewing more than 15 candidates for the job of district chief financial officer, the Warren Con Board of Education announced its decision at a June 25 special meeting.

WCS Superintendent Robert Livernois said Robert Carlesso, assistant superintendent of business and benefits at neighboring Fitzgerald Public Schools, will step into the role of CFO at a tentative start date of July 17.

“In addition to his history in school finance, he also held a career in banking, and he brings exactly what we need to the role of CFO,” Livernois said.

“After some grueling interviews, he rose to the top and brings a number of tangential experiences with school government well beyond finances, a wealth of knowledge in benefits and one of the most comprehensive experiences in cash management I’ve ever seen.”

The new position of CFO was created following the departure of former Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services and Human Resources William Kiefer on June 1.  Kiefer resigned his $165,000 per year position after a two-month investigation revealed planning mistakes that led to a $5.6 million shortfall in the 2007-2008 budget. The district was then forced to borrow money from savings in order to balance the budget.

Trustee Sherry Brasza said the adoption of the CFO made her comfortable the board would be in a better position to monitor the district’s budget on a week-to-week or even day-to-day basis.

The requirements for the position of CFO included a master’s degree in business with a specialization in accounting or finance, a minimum five years of experience in public school finance and chief financial officer state certification. The position pays between $122,000 and $130,000, plus a full benefits package.

You can reach Staff Writer Robin Ruehlen at rruehlen@candgnews.com or (586) 279-1105.