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New business manager for Clintonville schools

Lynette Edwards will take over as business manager of the Clintonville School District this summer.

The district’s current business manager, Jenny Goldschmidt, retires on June 30.

Though her first day of work as business manager won’t arrive until July 1, Edwards is already excited to help lead the district into the future.

Edwards earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and will earn a master’s degree in School Business Management from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in May. This highly specialized program is one of only a few that is offered in Wisconsin, requiring students to earn 36 credits in order to earn the degree. The degree qualifies students to earn the Department of Public Instruction’s School Business Manager certification.

“I’ve been taking these classes online during the nights and weekends for quite a while now,” said Edwards, who began taking classes in January 2012. “I’ve also made a few trips to Whitewater and I have attended lots of conferences.”

Edwards is in her eighth year with the district, having been hired as an executive secretary in November 2006. She said she first began thinking about the school business manager position five years ago, and revisited the idea when Goldschmidt began talking more seriously about retirement.

“I’m looking forward to putting my in-class knowledge into practice,” said Edwards. “There is still a huge learning curve, but I’m excited to continue to learn more about school business. I’m also excited to become part of the administrative team. We have a great group of leaders, and I’m excited to continue to serve the district.”

Edwards said Goldschmidt’s accomplishments over the past 29 years set a very high standard.

“I hope I can do half the job she has done,” said Edwards, referring to Goldschmidt’s peerless service to the district over the course of her career. “I want to help continue the progress she has set in motion. Thanks to her hard work and guidance, the district is in great financial shape.”

Edwards said her duties will involve overseeing support staff members who work very hard on payroll, invoices, investments, and bank accounts. “My job is to oversee and to be a resource for these staff members that do the heavy lifting,” said Edwards. “I will also have a hand in just about everything in the district, from strategic planning to food service. The School Business Manager works with all departments in some way or another. The district has an $18 million annual budget, and my job is to work with all departments to see how we can best meet their needs while maintaining a healthy financial position.”

Edwards has lived in Clintonville for 13 years. She and her husband have three children and one grandchild. She is also an integral part of the “You Grow Girl!” program, and says her commitment to the district is unwavering.

“My intent is to retire here,” she stated. “I’ve felt that way since I was hired as an executive secretary. My job title will be changing, but the students and community I serve will remain the same.”

Goldschmidt says the district is fortunate to have someone like Edwards to take over the School Business Manager position.

“I am really excited for Lynette getting the position,” said Goldschmidt. “I feel so fortunate to have Lynette assuming the business manager’s position knowing she will do an excellent job with managing the financial affairs of the school district. I have enjoyed working for the district for 29 years and turning everything over to someone who I know has a vested interest in Clintonville is very satisfying. Lynette will make the position her own and will do an outstanding job for the Clintonville School District.”

Superintendent Tom O’Toole echoed Goldschmidt’s sentiments, saying he is confident in Edwards’ abilities.

“We feel very fortunate to be able to have Lynette assume the duties that Jenny has performed for the district for many, many years,” said O’Toole. “Lynette will be able to ‘hit the ground running’ as she has been able to work with Jenny for a considerable amount of time. She will be a good fit for this administrative position and we are confident that she will do a fantastic job!”

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