Students across Juneau made their way to Thunder Mountain Middle School on Thurs, Aug. 15, 2024, marking the start of a new academic year. This event holds great significance for their educational pursuits and future careers.

"The Journey Begins: New CFO at Juneau School District"

New Chief Financial Officer Joins Juneau School District

The Juneau School District has recently selected a new chief financial officer who will be taking up the position in March. Nicole Herbert will be the district's third CFO in less than two years. Currently, she serves as the director of accounting services for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. This appointment brings a fresh perspective and expertise to the financial management of the Juneau School District.As the CFO, Herbert will be responsible for providing crucial financial supervision to the school board. She will oversee the district's finance, payroll, and food service departments, ensuring the smooth operation and financial stability of the school. With multiple years of experience working for a public accounting firm and holding a certified public accountant license, Herbert is well-equipped to handle these responsibilities.Moreover, she is on the board of directors of Alaska School Business Officials, which further enhances her credibility and knowledge in the field. Under her leadership, the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International. This achievement showcases her ability to manage finances effectively and meet high standards.

Successor to Lisa Pearce and Her Role

Lisa Pearce announced her resignation in October, just a few months after officially starting work. She decided to retire and spend more time with her family and new grandchild. Pearce was initially hired on a temporary basis last December after the district's director of administrative services abruptly resigned. Soon after taking on the job, she discovered that the district was facing multimillion-dollar deficits. Some of these issues were due to accounting errors by previous staff.However, Pearce played a crucial role in helping the school board navigate through the financial crisis and consolidation process last winter. She then took on the job full-time in July and will now help train her replacement. Her experience and expertise will be invaluable in ensuring a smooth transition.In conclusion, the appointment of Nicole Herbert as the new chief financial officer and the departure of Lisa Pearce mark important milestones in the Juneau School District's financial management. With Herbert's leadership and experience, the district is well-positioned to face future financial challenges and continue to provide quality education to its students.