From the buses students ride, to the quick roof repairs, down to the one ink pen and staple teachers use, all of these are budgeted and bought by the treasurer of Plain Local Schools. Behind the scenes, finance is important to keeping a district running smoothly.
Kathy Jordan has been the Treasurer of Plain Local Schools since 1995, but after 29 years she is signing off from her position and entering retirement.
Many students do not know the description of a district treasurer. The Board of Education hires a superintendent and a treasurer. The Ohio Revised Code states that these positions are horizontal for checks and balances. They work as a team.
“I am in charge of all of the financial operations of the districts, he is in charge of all the educational operations,” Jordan said. “Everything that costs money comes under my umbrella.”
These financial operations include everything from payroll, state and federal grants, to the ordering of pens, repaving a parking lot, arts and athletics. With these responsibilities, stress can come alongside the job.
“It’s stressful because through the years we have had some tough times, if I miss on those numbers that could hurt a lot of people,” Jordan said. “I am in those curriculum building meetings because I feel like I need to understand where we are going exactly so I can direct money to where it needs to be.”
Although Jordan did not grow up in the Plain Local community over the years the district has become meaningful to her and her family.
“Plain Local has become my second family,” Jordan said. “Just because I am retiring doesn’t mean I am just walking away because this is my home.”
When people work their whole lives, creating a plan for time off can be a bit of a challenge. Jordan is taking it one step at a time as to what her next plans are.
“I have never done anything else, I guess we will have to wait and see,” Jordan said. “Sometimes you reach a point in your life and you know it’s time, 35 years as a treasurer, I would not give back one minute, I have been blessed in so many ways.”
Jordan and her husband love to travel and collect art.
“My husband and I love buying art, the masters, we travel with a group and have been to a number of places around the world,” Jordan said. “Hopefully next spring we are going to Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong with our group.”
Jordan will always have Plain Local, a place to call home. And she leaves the district with a few parting words.
“Last thing I want to say before I am out the door is thank you, thank you to this community, to the teachers, to everybody that cooks, bus drivers and aids. We have a great group of students,” Jordan said.
