Ann Arbor Public Schools is actively seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) after a two-year vacancy. The position, last held by Jill Minnick in late 2023, has remained unfilled due to challenges in finding suitably qualified candidates.
Financial Challenges Facing Ann Arbor Schools
As the school district grapples with a projected $25 million shortfall in 2024, the urgency to fill the CFO role has heightened. Superintendent Jazz Parks noted the difficulty in attracting applicants with the required expertise. While the district is no longer in a financial crisis, it continues recovering from its past funding issues.
Current Financial Status
- The fund balance stands at 2.2% for the start of the 2024-25 school year, significantly below the Michigan average.
- By the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year, the balance was projected at $21.6 million, approximately 7% of spending.
- This amount is expected to drop to $15.8 million, just over 5%, which is the state minimum for fund balances.
School Board President Torchio Feaster highlighted the importance of hiring a CFO to maintain financial stability. He aims for this priority to be met early in the year, ideally before the school year’s conclusion.
Job Position Details
The assistant superintendent position is still vacant on the district’s administration page. Initially posted in early 2024, it offers a salary range between $152,250 and $173,250, based on qualifications and experience. Necessary qualifications for the position include:
- A master’s degree in business, school administration, or a related finance program.
- At least five years of experience in school finance or related fields.
In 2025, the position was restructured and labeled explicitly as CFO in hopes of attracting a broader pool of applicants. However, Parks reported that the pool remains limited, with few candidates possessing the comprehensive knowledge necessary for the role.
Recruitment Process and Challenges
Since 2023, Ann Arbor Schools has initiated multiple rounds of interviews. Currently, they are in the third cycle of interviews, with candidates being screened rigorously for qualifications. Despite several candidates throughout the process, none have advanced to become recommended candidates.
Parks emphasized the wide scope of knowledge required for a school district CFO, complicating the recruitment effort. The district continues its search as they aim to secure qualified leadership urgently, focusing on their unique financial complexities.
