ACOVSD Treasurer’s Department: Back row, from left, April Stapleton, Elizabeth Shoemaker, Noelle Kell and Rebecca Simmers; Front row, from left, Mary Beth Louderback, Connie Lykins, Sherri Spencer and Kayla Bowman (Photo provided)
ACOVSD receives Ohio Auditor of State Award
By Sherry Larson
People’s Defender
Though Sherri Spencer, Treasurer of the Adams County Ohio Valley School District, was well-acquainted with her office’s meticulous work, the Ohio Auditor of State Award they received on June 17 was an “out-of-the-blue” and pleasant surprise.
Spencer said, “The Ohio Auditor of State Award is a testament to our team’s dedication to transparency and accountability in financial reporting. It underscores our commitment to upholding the highest standards of fiscal responsibility.”
Spencer, who has a BSBA in accountancy from Miami University, passed her CPA exam in 1995 and went to work for Reynolds and Company, a CPA Firm. After taking a break to start a family, Spencer came to work as an Assistant Treasurer for the Adams County School District in December of 2015. Upon taking the position, she took the required two classes to obtain her Treasurer’s license, adding that credential to her resume. Her transition to Treasurer came quickly and surprisingly when the board approached her and appointed her as Treasurer Pro Tem in September 2022. Spencer was officially hired as Treasurer in January 2023.
Knowing that she would tackle financial complexities, Spencer expressed gratitude for the school board members’ commonality in timely addressing the district’s fiscal issues. She said, “The financial decisions boards are tasked to make are often complex and lonely.” She continued, “A school district of this size has many moving parts, and I am fortunate to work with staff who remain diligent and focused on attention to detail. My admiration for my colleagues in the Treasurer’s office is without boundaries.”
“It’s a pleasure to work with Superintendent Dawn Wallace,” said Spencer. She explained, “Even though our assigned duties are distinctly different, she shares a commitment to a sustainable quality education for our students and a quality work environment for the teachers and support staff.” Wallace communicated mutual admiration for Spencer, saying, “In the short time that I have been honored to work with Mrs. Spencer, I have found a profound sense of confidence in her work and expertise. She does her research and ensures our fiscal responsibility to our constituents. As we collaboratively move forward to align our district academic goals for our students with our finances, I am confident that the transparency and realism Mrs. Spencer brings will be the cornerstones of a solvent foundation.”
Likening a school district to a house, Spencer said its stability is only as strong as the foundation, which means the teachers and support staff. She relayed her sincere appreciation and admiration to the teachers, principals, bus drivers, cooks, aides, secretaries, custodians, maintenance, mechanics and administrative staff. “Those are the people – that’s what makes it all work,” said Spencer.
The 2024/25 school year faces some unique challenges. As of September 30, 2024, Ohio school districts will no longer be awarded ESSER funds (federal funds provided during the pandemic) for educational support programs, technology upgrades, equipment, capital outlay and health and safety measures. These items will now come out of the general fund. Spencer said, “In addition, our school funding through the state of Ohio has decreased from 70.23% to 67.49% from the previous school year,” a nearly 3% cut while revenues are decreasing and expenses are rising. She added, “This overall shortfall has disrupted financial planning.”
Spencer, the Board, the Administration, and the Superintendent have collectively and proactively identified opportunities to address and mitigate these funding issues. She said, “To achieve financial success in the future, we must continue to monitor our resources and make effective, sound decisions.” Spencer emphasized the fluidity of the issues and the importance of continual monitoring.
While Spencer celebrates the state’s recognition of the Adams County Ohio Valley School District Treasurer’s Department, she acknowledges the work to be done. She encourages the community to stay informed and engaged. Spencer concludes, “We will navigate these financial challenges together. The community’s support and understanding are invaluable as we work towards securing a prosperous educational future for our students and schools.”
