TPS board picks 2 top contenders for treasurer job

11/8/2006

The Toledo Board of Education has narrowed the list of candidates seeking to become the district's next treasurer to two people.

Meanwhile, the school system's interim treasurer, Daniel Griscom, on Monday night accepted the treasurer's job with the Ashland, Ohio, school system.

The Ohio School Boards Association, which was hired by Toledo Public Schools to oversee the application process for its treasurer's job, said Dan Romano III, chief business manager for the Toledo school system, and Anthony Swartz, former treasurer of Anthony Wayne Local Schools, are the top finalists.

Whoever the board ultimately hires will oversee a $341 million budget.

Kathy LaSota, OSBA consultant, said background checks would be conducted on the two candidates.

Treasurer James Fortlage retired Sept. 1 and is now the chief financial officer of the Cleveland Municipal School District.

Mr. Griscom, who previously was treasurer of the Ridgedale Local School District in Marion County, Ohio, was hired to serve as TPS interim treasurer until a permanent replacement is found.

Mr. Griscom, who lives in Westerville, Ohio, will start work in Ashland on Jan. 1.

He said he would assist with a smooth transition to the new treasurer.

Last month, he issued a five-year financial forecast that predicts a $12.7 million deficit for next school year for Toledo Public Schools.