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Huber Heights City Schools Treasurer Ann Bernardo is leaving the district after 14 years to take the same position at Northmont City Schools.
Bernardo, a 1987 Northmont graduate, was approved by the Northmont school board last week and will start her new job July 1. She replaces longtime Northmont treasurer Sandy Harris, who is retiring at the end of June after 27 years.
A resolution to accept Bernardo’s resignation is expected to be on the Huber Heights school board agenda for Thursday night. Her last day with the district will be June 30.
“I’m excited, I’m torn and I’m nervous all at the same time,” said Bernardo, who lives in the Northmont school district and has been active in levy campaigns. “I get to go home. The last time (the position) came open was 27 years ago. It doesn’t come open very often. It’s a chance to establish myself in the district.”
Bernardo, 45, has been the Huber Heights treasurer for the last 10 years. Prior to that, she was the district’s assistant treasurer for four years and also spent 10 years working in the state auditor’s office.
Bernardo was named the 2013 Treasurer of the Year by the Ohio Association of School Business Officials.
“I am saddened by the knowledge that Ms. Bernardo has taken a position with Northmont,” said Mark Combs, Huber Heights school board president. “However, I support her continued passion for students in Montgomery County. I’m sure the decision was difficult. Northmont will be blessed to have her just as we were.”
Combs declined to comment on when the district hopes to name the next treasurer. The board is responsible in hiring the district’s superintendent and treasurer.
Huber Heights Superintendent Sue Gunnell said she hopes a new treasurer will be in place by the time Bernardo leaves “so there’s a smooth transition.”
“We’ve had a great working relationship,” Gunnell said. “We’ve gotten through the tough times with the levies and reductions, and we’ve also went through the exciting times with the (school) construction project. We certainly wish her well.”
Gunnell is retiring from the district, effective July 1, and the school board intends to rehire her.
Bernardo’s current salary is $105,175. Her salary at Northmont will be $115,010, according to district spokeswoman Jenny Wood. Harris’ current salary is $102,687, based on her retire/rehire status.
Northmont school board president Linda Blum said Bernardo’s experience with the Huber Heights facilities project will be valuable for Northmont. The Kleptz Early Learning Center opened this past fall and the new Northmont High School is expected to be completed in about 10 months, Blum said.
“We are definitely excited that Ann is coming home,” Blum said. “She’s a high-caliber individual with such depth of knowledge and experience. We’re thrilled she’s going to be coming to Northmont.”
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