Ann Arbor Schools Seek CFO After Two-Year Vacancy
Ann Arbor Public Schools has faced a vacancy in its chief financial officer (CFO) position for over two years. The last individual to fill this role, Jill Minnick, departed in late 2023. Since then, the district has relied on consultants and staff to manage financial responsibilities.
Challenges of Filling the CFO Position
As the district grapples with a projected $25 million shortfall in 2024, finding a qualified applicant has proven difficult. Superintendent Jazz Parks noted that despite restructuring the job posting, the school is still struggling to attract suitable candidates. The Ann Arbor School Board President Torchio Feaster emphasized that filling this vacancy is a priority for the board in 2026.
Financial Context of the Ann Arbor Schools
The district’s financial health has improved, yet it remains fragile. While officials report that finances are no longer in crisis, a funding shortfall led to staffing cuts and budget adjustments. The beginning of the 2024-25 school year saw the district’s fund balance at just 2.2%, significantly below the state average for Michigan school districts.
- Audited fund balance by end of 2024-25: $21.6 million (over 7% of school spending)
- Projected fund balance for the end of 2025: $15.8 million (over 5%, the state minimum)
- Timeframe to hire a CFO: Early 2024 is anticipated
Feaster expressed concern about potentially ending up on a state watchlist for low fund balances again. He underscored the necessity of hiring a CFO to ensure responsible financial management moving forward.
Job Requirements for the CFO Role
Initially created as an assistant superintendent position, the job has been restructured into a CFO role. The salary range for this position is set between $152,250 and $173,250, dependent on experience. Key qualifications include:
- A master’s degree in business or school administration
- At least five years of experience in school finance or a similar field
Parks indicated that relabeling the position as CFO aimed to attract a broader range of candidates. Still, applicant pools have been limited, with few individuals possessing the necessary school finance expertise.
Hiring Process and Current Status
The hiring process has included at least two rounds of interviews in 2025, with a third cycle currently underway. Despite ongoing efforts, the district has yet to recommend any candidates. Parks highlighted that the comprehensive knowledge required for the role poses a barrier to finding qualified applicants.
As the Ann Arbor Public Schools seeks to stabilize its finances, hiring a CFO remains a critical step towards ensuring effective management of its financial complexities.
