The Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education recently approved hiring the district’s next treasurer, beginning Aug. 1.
The school board approved a three-year contract for Eric Soltis, the current assistant treasurer for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights schools, at a meeting on Tuesday, June 23. The contract ends July 31, 2029.
The contract states that Soltis will be paid $145,000 during his first year, with a raise matching certificated staff on CBA Aug. 1, 2027, with no additional increase on Aug. 1, 2028. In addition, he will receive a $350 a month vehicle allowance instead of a mileage reimbursement.
Soltis has nearly 15 years of school finance experience, according to Stow-Munroe Falls city schools. Previously, Soltis served as Treasurer/CFO for Xenia Community Schools and Pike-Delta-York Local School District.
“His experience, reputation for fiscal responsibility, and commitment to transparency make him an excellent fit for Stow-Munroe Falls City School District,” stated Board President Jason Whitacre in a media release Wednesday.
A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Soltis earned both a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degree, and maintains an Ohio School Treasurer License, according to officials from the Stow-Munroe Falls schools. He is an active member and presenter with the Ohio Association of School Business Officials.
“I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, families, staff, and community as the treasurer of Stow-Munroe Falls City School District,” Soltis said in a statement Wednesday. “I look forward to working closely with our Board of Education, superintendent, administrative team, teachers, support staff, and community partners to ensure that every financial decision reflects our shared commitment to student success. Building trust through transparency, open communication, and collaboration has been a guiding principle throughout my career, and I am excited to continue that approach here.”
The Cleveland Heights-University Heights schools have 4,655 students in seven elementary schools, two middles schools and a high school, plus an early childhood center.
New treasurer among several financial heads seen in the district
In 2019, Kristy Stoicoiu sued the Stow-Munroe Falls school board, stating the nonrenewal of her contract was in retaliation for reporting financial irregularities and improper spending by then-Superintendent Tom Bratten to the state auditor. The school board agreed to settle with Stoicoiu and her legal representatives in April by paying $45,000 total. She currently is the treasurer for the Cuyahoga Falls City Schools.
The most recent treasurer, Patrick Goclano, who started with the school district in January 2023, submitted his resignation last November to accept the treasurer’s position with the Olmsted Falls school district. Goclano had been hired to replace Trevor Gummere, who was hired on Aug. 1, 2019 to replace Stoicoiu. Grummere left in December 2022.
Laura Molnar had earlier served as interim treasurer, and Ira Hamman is currently serving as interim treasurer for the district after Goclano’s departure.
Reporter April Helms can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Stow-Munroe Falls schools hire new treasurer
Reporting by April Helms, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By April Helms, Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
